Ann Huletsky, Vivian G Loo, Yves Longtin, Jean Longtin, Sylvie Trottier, Cécile L Tremblay, Rodica Gilca, Christian Lavallée, Éliel Brochu, Ève Bérubé, Martine Bastien, Marthe Bernier, Martin Gagnon, Johanne Frenette, Julie Bestman-Smith, Louise Deschênes, Michel G Bergeron
UNLABELLED: The detection of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) relies on testing the stool of patients by toxin antigen detection or PCR methods. Although PCR and antigenic methods have significantly reduced the time to results, delays in stool collection can significantly add to the turnaround time. The use of rectal swabs to detect C. difficile could considerably reduce the time to diagnosis of CDI. We developed a new rapid PCR assay for the detection of C. difficile and evaluated this PCR assay on both stool and rectal swab specimens...
April 30, 2024: Microbiology Spectrum