Clostridium in faeces

The BioStar OIA CdTOX AB assay is an immunoassay test for the rapid qualitative detection of Clostridium difficile Toxins A and/or B in human faecal samples from patients suspected of having CDAD. Toxin A is an enterotoxin which appears to be responsible for the clinical symptoms of diarrhoea and colonic inflammation, while Toxin B is responsible for the associated cell destruction. Clinical symptoms of CDAD were once thought to be solely due to Toxin A; however, there is growing evidence that Toxin B may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile. In many markets it is mandatory to use a test that detects both toxins, therefore a test which detects both toxins would be an aid to prompt diagnosis and allow the physician to initiate appropriate patient management.

The BioStar OIA CdTOX AB assay provides obvious benefits when it comes to time to result. A positive or negative result can be achieved in just 10 mins, which is a significant advantage when compared to Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) (which can take 2-4 h) and Cytotoxicity methods (which can take 24-48 h) to yield a result.

The BioStar OIA enteric product range also offers a unique rapid assay for the qualitative detection of Shiga toxins in faecal samples; the product allows fast and accurate diagnosis of infection by Shiga Toxin-producing bacteria.