The use of molecular methods in the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infections

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to use molecular methods to identify selected strains of C. difficile isolated from patients hospitalized at Independent Public Central Teaching Hospital [SP CSK] between 2008 and 2011 in order to demonstrate their toxicgenic character and to determine their epidemic potential, including the incidence of a suspected C. difficile strain 027/NAP1/B1. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Originally evaluated material consisted of freshly collected stool samples from patients who had developed diarrhea. Stool samples were assessed for toxins A and B via an immunoenzymatic method and for the presence of C. difficile via the first culture method. The isolated strains were stored on MICROBANK mediums, at -70 degrees C. From this sample collection, 48 strains isolated in 2008 and 28 strains isolated in 2011 were selected for molecular analysis. RESULTS: Among the C. difficile isolates that underwent molecular analysis there were 6 strains 027/NAP1/BI out of the 48 evaluated strains isolated in 2008, which constituted 12.5% and 24 strains 027/NAP1/BI out of the 28 strains isolated in 2011, which constituted 85.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of a possible hyperepidemic strain of C. difficile is crucial for undertaking any anti-epidemic activities in health care facilities, where such activities are more and more common and are responsible for nosocomial foci of infection.