What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Clostridium difficile EIA Add-On - Genova Test Kit, which detects the presence of an infection that results from the production of toxins by the Clostridium difficile bacteria. "Clostridium difficile," also known as "C. difficile" or "C. diff," is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea when someone takes antibiotics. Testing for C. difficile involves looking for the bacteria, genes associated with toxin production, or the toxins produced by the bacteria.
Individuals should note that this test kit is only offered as an add-on test for the following Genova Diagnostics test kits:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile 1-Day Test Kit (GD2200)
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile 3-Day Test Kit (GD2201)
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Effects Microbial Ecology Stool Profile (GD2205)
- Gut Pathogen Profile (GD2207)
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Effects Fundamentals Stool Profile (GD2209)
Don't hesitate to contact Walk-In Lab's Customer Service at 1-800-539-6119 if you are interested in this add-on test, as additional charges will be applied.
Who is more likely to be infected with C. difficile?
Up to 65% of healthy infants and 3% of healthy adults can have C. difficile as part of their normal bacterial flora in the digestive tract. However, if broad-spectrum antibiotics are used for an extended period to treat other infections, the balance of normal flora can be disrupted. This can eliminate normal bacteria that are susceptible to antibiotics, while C. difficile, which is resistant to antibiotics, continues to grow and may cause new strains of the bacteria to develop. When C. difficile overgrows and produces toxins A and B, it can harm the lining of the digestive tract and cause severe inflammation and prolonged diarrhea. This combination can also reduce normal flora, forming a pseudomembrane made of dead tissue, fibrin, and white blood cells. This condition is known as pseudomembranous colitis and affects the lower portion of the bowel and colon.
It's important to know that C. difficile infection is a common cause of diarrhea in hospitalized individuals who experience diarrheal symptoms. Up to 20-30% of those with antibiotic-associated diarrhea have been found to have C. difficile toxin in their stools, while more than 95% of those with pseudomembranous colitis show the same. Infants are often carriers of the organism, but they don't typically experience diarrhea. The risk of developing symptoms increases with age and in individuals with weakened immune systems, acute or chronic colon conditions, prior C. difficile infections, recent gastrointestinal surgery, or chemotherapy. C. difficile-associated diarrhea generally occurs in people taking antibiotics for a few days, but it can also arise several weeks after treatment is completed.
When should I order a Clostridium difficile EIA Add-On - Genova Test Kit?
Individuals may order this add-on test if they have experienced symptoms related to a C. difficile infection. C. difficile infection can cause various symptoms, such as:
- Mild diarrhea to more severe conditions like colitis, toxic megacolon, or a perforated bowel
- Sepsis and death
- Frequent loose stools
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Nausea
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- High white blood cell count (leukocytosis)
Treatment typically involves stopping the original antibiotic and starting specific oral antibiotic therapy to target C. difficile. While most people recover as the normal bacteria in their gut return, about 12-24% of those affected may experience a second episode within two months.
