Stool C. Difficile Toxin
Definition This test detects the presence of toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) in the stool. C. difficile is a common cause of diarrhea after antibiotic use.
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Why is the Test Performed?
The test may be done when there is a suspicion that diarrhea is the result of recent antibiotic use. Antibiotics alter the bacterial flora in the colon and this sometimes results in excessive growth of C. difficile, whose toxins cause diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by C. difficile following antibiotic use occurs frequently in hospitalized patients.
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