What is Clostridium difficile toxin PCR?

Clostridium difficile PCR is designed to amplify 2 different genes that are specific to toxigenic strains of C difficile: tcdB, which encodes for toxin B, and tcdC, which encodes for a toxin regulatory pathway.

What is a PCR test for C diff?

difficile toxin gene testing—this tests for the toxin genes using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), typically a PCR method. These tests are rapid and very sensitive methods to confirm the presence of C. difficile toxin gene.

How long does C diff toxin stay positive?

difficile tests may remain positive for as long as 30 days after symptoms have resolved.

How do you get C diff from PCR?

Collect specimen in clean, watertight container.

1. Transport media is not necessary and may increase false positive results.
2. Transport specimens as soon as possible and store at 2 – 8 °C until tested.
3. Storage at room temperature may decrease the sensitivity of some tests, possibly due to toxin inactivation.

How does someone get C diff?

You may get C diff through person-to-person contact, or if you touch sheets, clothing or surfaces which have come into contact with feces, and then your touch your nose or mouth. People who are most at risk of C diff infection include: People aged 65 or over.

When is C diff no longer contagious?

Usually, a person is considered not contagious once all of their symptoms have subsided and doctors can detect little or no toxin in the patient’s stools. It can be hard to say for sure when C. diff becomes completely non-contagious, as someone who has been previously infected can have reoccurring C. diff.

Is C diff a multidrug resistant organism?

This information explains multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) and Clostridium difficile (C. diff), including how they are spread and how infections are treated in the outpatient setting. A multidrug resistant organism (MDRO) is a germ that is resistant to many antibiotics.

What is a “C diff” bacterial colon infection?

Clostridium difficile colitis (C. difficile Colitis, C. diff) is an infection of the colon by the bacterium, Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). C. difficile causes colitis by producing toxins that damage the lining of the colon. The symptoms of C. difficile colitis are fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.