A new approach for diagnosis of Clostridium difficile based on evolution of a unique volatile organic compound identifier

Clostridium difficile is a major cause of nosocomial infections and rapid diagnosis of the disease is essential for infection control. Several methods for C. difficile detection are employed in clinical laboratories; each method has its advantages and disadvantages. A novel method has recently been developed that allows differentiation between C. diffi cile-positive and -negative stool samples based on volatile organic compound evolution and their detection by headspace solidphase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.