A laboratory end result 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 aren’t, on the time of testing, producing the toxins that usually trigger the signs of C. difficile an infection (CDI). The antigen take a look at detects a typical C. difficile enzyme, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), which is produced by each toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains. Due to this fact, a constructive antigen end result suggests the presence of the micro organism. Nevertheless, the absence of toxin, detected through toxin A/B assays, implies that the pressure current could also be non-toxigenic or isn’t at present producing toxins in adequate amount to be detected by the take a look at. The absence of toxin means that signs are doubtless because of one other trigger.
This discovering is necessary within the analysis and administration of CDI. Whereas the presence of the micro organism could increase suspicion, the dearth of toxin manufacturing typically means that the affected person’s diarrheal signs are attributable to a unique 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 verify lively an infection earlier than initiating remedy. This method prevents pointless antibiotic use, which may contribute to antibiotic resistance and additional disrupt the intestine microbiome.
