C. Difficile infections in the intestine produce a spectrum of clinical disease, ranging from asymptomatic carriers to moderate diarrheal illness, to severe, life-threatening enterocolitis.
The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of prior broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure and semi-formed, not liquid stool.
The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of C. Dif. Toxin in a stool specimen.
Normal Values*
C. Difficile Toxin
Negative
*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.
Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300
