Effect of nucleic acid amplification testing on population-based incidence rates of Clostridium difficile infection

Clin Infect Dis. 2013 Nov;57(9):1304-7. doi: 10.1093/cid/cit492. Epub 2013 Jul 29.

Abstract

Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is increasingly being adopted for diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Data from 3 states conducting population-based CDI surveillance showed increases ranging from 43% to 67% in CDI incidence attributable to changing from toxin enzyme immunoassays to NAAT. CDI surveillance requires adjustment for testing methods.

Keywords: Clostridium difficile; clinical laboratory techniques; incidence; nucleic acid amplification techniques; surveillance.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Clostridium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Clostridium Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity