Anti-Clostridium difficile, GDH (CDIF-0294)

Background: Clostridium difficile, often referred to as C. diff, is an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium that can cause a range of gastrointestinal issues in humans. Infections with C. difficile are primarily associated with healthcare settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities where patients come into contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces1. C. diff infections (CDIs) typically occur following the disruption of the normal gut microbiota, often due to antibiotics, which allow the bacteria to proliferate and produce toxins2. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is an enzyme produced by C. difficile which is responsible for conversion of glutamate to alpha-ketoglutarate. GDH detection in the stool is often used as a rapid screening tool to suggest possible presence of C. diff. Further testing for the bacterial toxins is typically performed upon a positive GDH test.