Comprehensive Clostridium Culture

What this laboratory test evaluates

To aid in the identification and differentiation of Clostridium species, our specialized anaerobic culture optimized for Clostridium detects nearly 40 beneficial and pathogenic species, including C. botulinum, C. tetani and C. perfringens, as well as C. difficile, which is often present in healthy individuals, but can be associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

If C. difficile is cultured at any level, the sample is automatically tested for all known toxigenic strains using an FDA-cleared, molecular diagnostic DNA assay at no additional charge.

Useful for:
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Autism Spectrum Disorders

Clostridium is a diverse genus of bacteria, many of which are abundant and normal inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Many of the Clostridium species can have beneficial effects on the metabolism and health of the GIT in part by breakdown of polysaccharides, saccharolytic fermentation of carbohydrates to short chain fatty acids, and regulation of immune function. While non-pathogenic Clostridium species are predominantly saccharolytic, toxin-producing species tend to be strongly proteolytic.

Proteolytic fermentation produces toxic metabolites such as ammonia, amines, volatile phenols and indoles which are pharmacologically active and affect a variety of physiological functions including adverse effects in the central nervous system. Aside from the well-established pathogenic Clostridium species such as C. botulinum, C. tetani, C. perfringens and C. difficile, other species may have yet-to-be-elucidated roles in health and disease. For example, they may be involved as mediators in the gut-brain connection in the evolution of psychiatric neurodevelopmental delay such as autism and autism spectrum disorders.

Clostridium species that produce neurotoxins and potentially toxic metabolic byproducts have been reported to be more prevalent in autistic children compared to neurotypical controls most notable were greater quantities of C. bolteae and members of the C. hystolyticum group.

Clostridia are anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria that do not grow in the more aerobic environment of the distal colon. However Clostridia produce extremely durable endospores as a means of proliferation. The spores are resistant to air, antibiotics, heat, drying and disinfectants. Doctor's Data uses growth media optimally suited for growth of Clostridium species and anaerobic culture conditions to germinate the spores to metabolically active bacteria that are sub-cultured for positive identification (speciation).

If C. difficile is cultured at any level, the sample is automatically tested for all known toxigenic strains using an FDA-cleared, molecular diagnostic DNA assay at no additional charge. Clostridia generally are resistant to antibiotics and treatment of an overgrowth of C. difficile, especially in asymptomatic carriers and infants under age two, is usually not warranted. Additionally, since plasmids have a potential role in transferring various capacities, including antibiotic resistance, from one organism to another, the use of antibiotics in the treatment of clostridia overgrowth should be considered carefully.

Additional test information

To aid in the identification and differentiation of Clostridium species, our specialized anaerobic culture optimized for Clostridium detects nearly 40 beneficial and pathogenic species, including C. botulinum, C. tetani and C. perfringens, as well as C. difficile, which is often present in healthy individuals, but can be associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea. If C. difficile is cultured at any level, the sample is automatically tested for all known toxigenic strains using an FDA-cleared, molecular diagnostic DNA assay at no additional charge.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Stool
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 14 to 21 days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Digestive Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.