Clostridium Difficile toxin A and toxin B

IntroLab laboratory in Vračar enables you to perform stool analysis for the presence of toxins A and B of Clostridium difficile, as well as glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Clostridium difficile is a bacterium often found in the intestinal flora of humans and animals. The Clostridium Difficile toxin A and B test aims to identify the presence of toxins A and B, as well as GDH in human stool samples.

What is the Clostridium Difficile toxin A and B test?

The stool analysis for detecting toxins A and B, as well as glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) of Clostridium difficile bacteria, is performed through an immunochromatographic test based on antigen-antibody reaction. This test is used for diagnostic purposes to detect the presence of Clostridium difficile in human stool samples.

What are the indications?

It is recommended to perform this analysis in the following situations:

• If you have unformed stools, especially during or after antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, or prolonged hospital stays. This particularly applies to the older population.
• If you have frequent liquid stools (more than 7 times a day) and elevated body temperature (over 38°C), especially during or after antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, or prolonged hospital stays. This particularly applies to the older population.

Of course, your doctor will inform you before conducting the analysis if it is necessary to do so.

How is the sampling done?

A stool sample is taken from fresh unformed stool in the amount of a coffee spoon and transferred to a special stool container. It is important that the sample is not mixed with urine or toilet water.

If it is not possible to deliver the sample to the laboratory immediately, it is recommended to keep the sample at a temperature of 2-8°C until transport. For optimal results, testing should be performed immediately after stool sampling.

Stool samples can be stored in the refrigerator for about 48 hours, but for longer storage, it is recommended to freeze the samples at a temperature of -20°C.

Testing results

The test result for the analysis of Clostridium difficile toxins A and B, as well as glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), is reported as positive or negative, which aids in diagnosis.

However, in diagnostics, important data include prolonged use of antibiotics, the age of the patient, stay in a hospital environment and the possible presence of other bacterial pathogens of the disease with a similar clinical picture. To confirm the diagnosis, additional stool analyses can be conducted, such as stool examination for other types of bacteria or analysis of the stool sample for the presence of Rotavirus and Adenovirus to detect viral infections of the intestinal tract.