We are evaluating the performance of a PCR assay designed in our laboratory for the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile disease. Our assay uses a primer set to detect the toxin A gene and another set to detect the toxin B gene. Endpoint detection of PCR products is an ELISA format. Our PCR assay will be compared to the following methods for diagnosis of C. difficile disease: toxigenic culture, cytotoxin assay, an ELISA for detection of toxins A and B, and a commercial PCR assay that detects the presence of the genes for both toxins A and B. All assays except our PCR assay have been performed on 144 stool specimens. We discovered that a unique toxin A deficient strain of C. difficile was not detected by our PCR assay. We have redisigned our toxin A gene primers and detection probe to allow us to detect this strain and have revalidated our PCR assay for detection of the toxin A gene. Once our PCR assay has been performed on all 144 specimens a chart review will be performed for specimens with conflicting results. Our results will demonstrate if PCR is a useful tool for diagnosis of C. difficile gastrointestinal disease. Note: This project has been merged with another project(CL010325-03 DLM) entitled """"""""Evaluation of a Commercial PCR assay for Diagnosis of C. difficile Colitis.""""""""

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Clinical Center (CLC)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01CL010316-04
Application #
7004778
Study Section
(DLM)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Clinical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code