A laboratory consequence indicating the presence of Clostridioides difficile antigen however the absence of detectable toxin signifies that the micro organism are current within the affected person’s stool pattern, however will not be, on the time of testing, producing the toxins that usually trigger the signs of C. difficile an infection (CDI). The antigen check detects a standard C. difficile enzyme, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), which is produced by each toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains. Due to this fact, a optimistic antigen consequence suggests the presence of the micro organism. Nonetheless, the absence of toxin, detected through toxin A/B assays, implies that the pressure current could also be non-toxigenic or isn’t at the moment producing toxins in ample amount to be detected by the check. The absence of toxin means that signs are possible attributable to one other trigger.
This discovering is necessary within the prognosis and administration of CDI. Whereas the presence of the micro organism could increase suspicion, the shortage of toxin manufacturing usually means that the affected person’s diarrheal signs are attributable to a distinct etiology. Historic context reveals that relying solely on antigen testing can result in overdiagnosis, as asymptomatic carriage of C. difficile is frequent, notably in hospitalized sufferers. Due to this fact, scientific pointers emphasize the significance of toxin testing to substantiate energetic an infection earlier than initiating remedy. This strategy prevents pointless antibiotic use, which might contribute to antibiotic resistance and additional disrupt the intestine microbiome.
