Clostridioides Difficile Toxin A/B
Clostridioides difficile Toxin A/B test measures the presence of toxins A and B produced by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). These toxins can cause severe intestinal inflammation, especially in people who have recently taken antibiotics.
Why is this test being done?
This test is performed to detect C. difficile infection (CDI), which can lead to:
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Pseudomembranous colitis (severe intestinal inflammation with fever and abdominal pain)
- Toxic megacolon (a life-threatening complication)
What exactly is being measured?
- Toxin A: Enterotoxin, responsible for diarrhea and inflammation of the intestinal wall.
- Toxin B: Cytotoxin, which destroys intestinal cells and causes severe intestinal inflammation.
If the test is positive, it means the bacteria are actively producing toxins, which can lead to serious symptoms. If the test is negative, the bacteria are either absent or not producing toxins.
When is this test requested?
- Prolonged or severe watery diarrhea, especially after antibiotic use
- Abdominal pain, fever and nausea
- Increased risk with hospitalization, chemotherapy, weakened immune system
Follow-up steps for a positive test
- Stop or adjust antibiotics (if possible)
- Treatment with specific antibiotics against C. difficile
- In severe cases: fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)
