Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic gram-positive spore-forming bacillus. The key feature in enabling it to persist in patients and the physical environment for long periods and thereby facilitating its transmission is the ability of C. difficile to form spores. C. difficile is transmitted through the fecal-oral route.

Clostridium difficile is the principal pathogen related to antibiotic associated diarrhea and/or pseudomembranous colitis in hospitalized patients. Mature colonic bacterial flora in a healthy adult is generally resistant to C. difficile colonization. However, if the normal colonic flora is altered, resistance to colonization is lost. Thus, any factor associated with alteration of the normal enteric flora increases the risk of C. difficile colonization after exposure to antibiotics, especially those with broadspectrum activity such as penicillins, cephalosporins and clindamycin. C. difficile can release two high-molecular-weight toxins, toxin A and toxin B, which are responsible for the clinical manifestations, which range from mild, self-limited watery diarrhea to fulminant pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, and death. Clostridium difficile Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GDH) is an enzyme produced in large quantities by all toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains, making it an excellent marker for the organism.

The GDH Test Device employs red gold-conjugated monoclonal antibodies against antigen GDH of C. difficile, and solid-phase specific another GDH antibodies. In this test the specimen is first treated with an extraction solution to extract GDH antigens from the faces. Following extraction, the only step required is to add the extract to the reaction device. As the sample flows through the test membrane, the colored particles migrate. In the case of a positive result the specific antibodies present on the membrane will capture the colored particles. Red color lines will be visible, depending upon the virus content of the sample. These lines, after 5-15 minutes of incubation at room temperature, are used to interpret the result.

Product Feature

–High Sensitivity: 98%
–High Specificity: 99%
–Ease-to-use
–Reliable results
–Longer shelf life
–Clear background

Ordering Information:
  • 1. Cassette Cat No.: AN1027C
  • 2. Dipstick Cat No.: AN1027S
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