Hypervirulent Clostridium difficile
Description
C. difficile is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, with hypervirulent strains producing elevated levels of toxins A and B, which drive its pathogenicity. Risk factors include antibiotic or proton pump inhibitor use, advanced age, immunosuppression, and inflammatory bowel disease.
If detected — guidance
Infections can result in severe gastroenteritis, requiring treatment for symptomatic patients. Positive faecal occult blood or suspected haemorrhagic colitis requires urgent investigation and specialist consultation.
If not detected
Indicates the pathogen has been tested and not detected in the sample.
If indeterminate
Discrepant test results cannot be resolved as positive or negative.If clinically indicated, repeat sample collection and further testing are recommended.
What are pathogen markers?
Pathogens are bacteria, viruses or protists that can cause infection and disease. Pathogens are tested using RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) — a highly sensitive method for detecting specific regions of DNA that typically indicate the presence of the pathogen, species or genus reported. Results for each of the 18 Pathogen Markers are displayed on the marker card, along with insights for patient management.
If not detected
The pathogen has been tested and not detected in the sample.
If indeterminate
Discrepant test results cannot be resolved as positive or negative. If clinically indicated, repeat sample collection and further testing is recommended.
If detected — guidance
The pathogen has been detected. Always interpret in the context of the patient's clinical presentation.