Confirmation and toxin test by PCR

Clostridioides difficile confirmation and toxin test by PCR.

• Pseudomembranous colitis

Pure culture or 1.0mL frozen stool sample.

N/A

Send cultures as growth on culture medium or in transport medium.  Send frozen stool samples on dry ice. Culture vessel should be leak-proof or sealed appropriately.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

N/A

Completed Antimicrobial Resistance and Nosocomial Infections Requisition.

N/A

PCR is used to confirm presence or absence of C. difficile and its toxins. Targets tested include toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), binary toxin (cdtB), tcdC (negative regulator of toxin production), and tpi (housekeeping gene for species confirmation). Results are compared to known Standards.

10 Calendar days.

1. Lemee, L., A. Dhalluin, S. Testelin, M.-A. Mattrat, K. Maillard, J.-F. Lemeland, and J.L. Pons. 2004. Multiplex PCR targeting tpi (triose phosphate isomerase), tcdA (toxin A), and tcdB genes for toxigenic culture of Clostridium difficile. J. Clin.  Microbiol. 42:5710-5714.
2. Spigaglia, P., and P. Mastrantonio. 2004. Comparative analysis of Clostridium   difficile clinical isolates belonging to different genetic lineages and time periods. J. Med. Microbiol. 53:1129-1136.

Fact Sheet – Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) - formerly known as Clostridium difficile

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Clostridioides difficile - formerly known as Clostridium difficile

National Case Definition : Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea - formerly known as Clostridium difficile

C. difficile (Clostridioides difficile) - formerly known as Clostridium difficile