Detection of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) toxins A and B and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH)

What is this test?
This is a stool test that helps determine if the bacteria Clostridium difficile (shortened to C. difficile) is present in the intestine and if it produces harmful toxins. These toxins can cause severe diarrhea and other digestive disorders.

Why is this bacteria dangerous?
C. difficile is most often activated when a person takes antibiotics. Antibiotics can destroy the good intestinal bacteria, and C. difficile takes advantage of this by rapidly multiplying and releasing toxic substances (toxins) that irritate the intestine. This can lead to severe, often watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

When is it worth performing this test?

• If severe or frequent diarrhea starts, especially after antibiotic use.
• If digestive disorders appear after treatment in a hospital or care facility.
• If diarrhea persists, recurs, or does not go away with conventional treatments.
• When it's necessary to determine the cause of diarrhea, especially when it's suspected to be caused by bacteria.

How does this test work?
The test searches for two things:

1. GDH enzyme – this is a protein produced by all C. difficile bacteria. Its presence indicates that the bacteria are indeed in the intestine.
2. Toxins A and B – these are harmful substances that cause disease symptoms. If these toxins are found, it means the bacteria are active and causing inflammation.

How to understand the results?

• If both GDH and toxins are found, it means there is an active infection that can or is already causing severe diarrhea.
• If only GDH is found, but no toxins, the bacteria may be in the intestine, but it does not yet cause disease (it may just be a "resident"). Sometimes the test needs to be repeated or additional tests are necessary.
• If neither GDH nor toxins are found, C. difficile is not present.

Important to know:
The results of this test should be evaluated by a doctor, taking into account symptoms, health condition, and the course of the disease. Sometimes additional tests may be necessary to accurately determine the diagnosis.