Contemporary approaches for the laboratory diagnosis of infections

Since its recognition 35 years ago as a major cause of diarrheal disease in the industrialized world, the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) has been in constant evolution. Currently, two approaches are recommended: a multi-step algorithm using glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) detection as a screening test and a method to detect either C. difficile toxins or toxigenic C. difficile organisms as a confirmatory test for GDH-positive specimens. One potential algorithm uses the detection of both toxin and organisms in a stepwise manner.
Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research