Performances of the BD MAX™ CDIFF assay for the detection of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile using Cary-Blair preserved samples.

Toxigenic Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a high concern because of its increasing prevalence, among both nosocomial infection and community-acquired infection contexts. A total of 1320 prospective stool samples collected on FecalSwab™ (Cary-Blair medium) were screened using BD Max™ CDIFF assay (BDM). Results were compared to the routine algorithm including immunochromatographic testing for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxin A/B (tox) using C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE® followed by Xpert C. difficile assay in case of GDH+/tox- results. The prevalence of toxigenic C. difficile was estimated to 5.3% (n=70/1320) using the routine algorithm but to 7.4% (n = 98/1320) using BDM. The overall agreement between BDM and the routine algorithm was 97.4%. After resolution of discrepant results between BDM and the algorithm using Xpert C. difficile assay (unless already perform) and toxigenic culture performed by the French National Reference Laboratory, the overall agreement was increased to 99.4%, demonstrating the excellent performances of the test.

Direct Identification of Staphylococcus aureus and Determination of Methicillin Susceptibility From Positive Blood-Culture Bottles in a Bact/ALERT System Using Binax Now S. aureus and PBP2a Tests

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is associated with high mortality and morbidity, requiring prompt and appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Therefore, it is important to detect methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) rapidly from blood cultures. Two immunochromatographic tests, BinaxNow S. aureus and BinaxNow PBP2a, were directly applied to 79 Bact/Alert bottles that were positive for Gram positive cocci in cluster aggregations. Sensitivity and specificity for the identification of S. aureus and determination of methicillin resistance were 94% and 87%, and 100% and 100%, respectively, with less than 30 min of performance time. These tests are efficient and rapid; these tests are valuable alternatives to more sophisticated and expensive methods used in the diagnosis of MRSA bacteremia.