Diagnosis and outcome of <i>Clostridium difficile</i> infection by toxin enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction in an island population

Abstract

The findings of this study, derived from evolving clinical practice, provide greater clarity in the interpretation of CDI diagnostics. In CDT-negative disease, a positive NAAT neither predicts disease severity nor mortality. NAAT-positive and toxin-negative patients require instigation of infection control measures, but the need for specific treatment remains unclear.