Clostridioides difficile (GDH, toxin A and B)

Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) is a spore-forming bacterium. In stool, the enzyme GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase) is measured as evidence of the organism, along with its toxins A and B.

How C. difficile acts in the gut

A healthy gut flora keeps C. difficile in check (colonisation resistance). If it is disturbed, especially by antibiotics, the organism can multiply. Its toxins enter the cells of the colon lining and disable their internal scaffold: the cells detach, the lining becomes inflamed and releases fluid.

C. difficile detected – what happens in the body?

If GDH and toxins are detected, the organism is actively producing toxins. This leads to watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and fever, in severe cases to marked inflammation of the colon. If only GDH is detectable, the organism is present without toxins being found – colonisation without symptoms occurs, especially in infants. Persistent diarrhoea after antibiotics should be checked by a doctor.

Not detected – what does it mean?

Without GDH and toxins, C. difficile is an unlikely cause of diarrhoea.

The interpretation is given in your report.