Clostridioides difficile (Clostridium difficile)
C. difficile Infection Statistics and Recurrence
Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile or C. diff ) is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis (inflammation of the colon). It’s estimated that C.diff causes nearly half a million infections in the U.S. annually, with around 1 in 6 patients experiencing reinfection within 2–8 weeks. This organism is the most common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea, especially in hospitalized and long-term care patients.¹
C. difficile Infection Testing Platforms
Our complete testing solution for Clostridioides difficile (Clostridium difficile) (C.diff) is designed to support a range of testing approaches and workflows. Whether you require rapid molecular diagnostics or a multi-step testing algorithm, we offer flexible solutions to help minimize the impact of C. difficile in your healthcare setting.
Revogene®
Fully Automated Molecular Platform with Minimal Hands-On Time
Revogene® delivers an accurate, molecular-based Clostridioides difficile test with minimal hands-on time. This platform helps healthcare providers detect C. diff quickly and accurately, reducing missed cases and enabling faster, evidence-based patient management. Results from the Revogene® C. difficile test can reduce unnecessary isolation, optimize antibiotic use, and improve overall healthcare efficiency.
Premier® C. difficile GDH
Immunocard® Toxins A&B
Premier® Toxins A&B
Alethia® C. difficile
Immunocard® C. difficile GDH
Choosing the Right C. diff Test Strategy
Up to 50% of hospital antibiotic use is unnecessary or misapplied.2 Effective use of C. diff tests helps reduce this burden and supports better patient outcomes.
One-Step
Molecular Testing
Utilize a single molecular-based
C. difficile test to reduce the chance of missing a true positive case.
Two-Step
Testing Solutions
Screen with a GDH antigen test and confirm with a molecular assay. Alternatively, start with molecular detection of C. diff, followed by confirmation using a Toxin A & B immunoassay.
Three-Step
Testing Algorithm
Incorporate GDH, toxin, and molecular C. diff tests for the most comprehensive diagnostic approach. This algorithm can reduce costs by quickly eliminating negative samples and customizing the second and third steps to your facility’s needs.
Clostridioides difficile (Clostridium difficile) Treatment
Approximately 20% of infections resolve within 2–3 days after discontinuing the inciting antibiotic. Most C. difficile infections are treated with a 10-day course of oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin.
Retesting is not typically needed if symptoms have resolved, as patients may remain colonized without symptoms.⁴
FAQs
How is C. difficile testing performed?
C. difficile testing typically involves collecting a stool sample from the patient and analyzing it for the presence of C. difficile toxins or genetic material.
What are the symptoms of C. difficile infection?
Symptoms of C. difficile infection may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Who should undergo C. difficile testing?
Individuals with symptoms suggestive of C. difficile infection, particularly those who have been recently hospitalized or have taken antibiotics, should undergo C. difficile testing.
What are the different types of C. difficile tests available?
Common types of C. difficile tests include enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and cell culture cytotoxicity assays.
How accurate are C. difficile tests?
C. difficile tests vary in accuracy depending on the method used, with molecular tests generally considered to be the most sensitive and specific.
How long does it take to get C. difficile test results?
Turnaround time for C. difficile test results varies depending on the testing method and laboratory processing time, but results are typically available within a few days.
What is the treatment for C. difficile infection?
Treatment for C. difficile infection may involve antibiotics such as vancomycin or fidaxomicin, as well as supportive measures to manage symptoms and prevent dehydration.
Resources:
- Enzyme immunoassay for the detection of Clostridium difficile GDH in stool specimens
- Actionable results for the detection of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)
- C. difficile. Alethia® provides a quick, accurate and reliable molecular assay for C. difficile detection
- Enzyme immunoassay for the detection of Clostridium Difficile antigen (GDH) in stool specimens