MICROMETHOD FOR DETECTING TOXINS IN PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS COLITIS

The demonstration of a toxin, which produces a distinct cytopathic effect in tissue culture, in the faeces of patients with pseudomembranous colitis was first reported by Larson et al. The toxin is produced by Clostridium difficile and can be neutralised by antiserum to Clostridium sordelii toxin. Pseudomembranous colitis has a high mortality and is particularly associated with gastrointestinal surgery. Because reports suggest that the condition can be treated with vancomycin, screening patients with postoperative diarrhoea may be warranted. A simple inexpensive technique for routine screening for the faecal toxin is described.