Xpert C. difficile

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a serious healthcare-associated infection that results in severe diarrhea and, in serious cases, death. Current screening tests lack sensitivity and take up to 72 hours. Cepheid's on-demand Xpert^®C. difficile test eliminates the need for additional or repeat testing and identifies C. difficile toxin producing strains in less than one hour.

Runs On: GeneXpert^® System

Problem:

C. difficile infections (CDI) have been increasing in incidence and severity, and are associated with an increase in length of hospital stays, costs, morbidity and mortality. CDI is also reported to be the most common cause of hospital acquired diarrhea and necessitates rapid and accurate diagnosis.

• In major EU countries CDI incidence is reported at 11 per 10,000 admissions
• Highly virulent (027-NAP1-BI) strains have caused outbreaks of severe disease in Europe and North America - with mortality rates above 50%
• The number of reported deaths are rising and, in the case of England and Wales, increasing by 72% between 2005 and 2006

 

Solution:

Xpert C. difficile detects the presence of toxin-producing Clostridium difficile in less than one hour. Detection of three targets: Toxin B, Binary Toxin, and tcdC deletion provides superior coverage and offers presumptive identification of the 027/NAP/BI epidemic strains.

• Clinicians can promptly administer therapy for improved patient outcomes
• Timely implementation of infection control initiatives to reduce spread of infection within institution
• Superior test sensitivity eliminates the need for additional or repeat testing

CDI has become a substantive and growing burden in hospitalized patients prompting the need for eariler and accurate detection. The impact of Cepheid's Xpert C. difficile test can be significant: With one-hour detection, clinicians can now initiate proper therapy and appropriate infection prevention and control measures sooner, leading to better patient management.