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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
12:58
A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
[Comparison of diagnostic methods for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea]
F M Trejo1, M E Rusconi, L Guzzetti
1Cátedra de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias Bioldgicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP, Argentina.
Revista Argentina De Microbiologia
|December 29, 2010
Summary
Comparing diagnostic methods for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea revealed discrepancies between biological assays, dot blot, and PCR. Further development is needed for accurate diagnosis of this intestinal pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a significant cause of infectious diarrhea.
- Accurate and reliable diagnostic methods are crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of different diagnostic methods for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
- To evaluate biological assays, dot blot, and PCR for detecting C. difficile toxins.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fecal filtrates from patients with suspected CDAD.
- Evaluation of biological activity on Vero cells (biological assay).
- Dot blot assay using antibodies against TcdA and TcdB.
- PCR assay for the tcdB gene.
Main Results:
- Biological assays showed activity in 44 out of 177 samples.
- Nineteen samples were positive by both biological assay and PCR.
- Dot blot analysis indicated varying positivity for TcdA and TcdB, with discrepancies noted.
Conclusions:
- Discrepancies among diagnostic methods may stem from truncated genes, low microbial load, or toxin degradation.
- There is a need for improved diagnostic approaches to address the complexities of C. difficile infections.
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