cdiffsupport.com

[Mommy23]

How would one go about finding out what strain of cdiff they have? What tests would be needed to determine the particular strain? I realize although not common there are some resistant strains.

[roy]

You would need a culture test instead of a toxin test.
Expensive!!
Theres not much point because the treatment would be the same regardless! and a toxin test gives a result far quicker than a culture
Cultures are done on a set percentage of samples in the UK so as to map the spread of the different strains but the strain is not revealed to the patient, its only used for "study" purposes.
And a culture would show up nontoxinagenic strains as a positive result and you would end up being treated for an infection that did not need treating!
Its not yet confirmed that there are resistant strains, some studies suggest that Flagyl is becoming less effective, but theres no evidence that theres any resistance to Vanco.

Roy
_________________
Anything I post is just my own opinion from what I have learnt, I am not qualified to give advice you should check with a doctor before trying anything I suggest, I am in the UK and somtimes what I say is not in the US language!
so beware!

[Mommy23]

Thanks Roy, great info!

[cazza]

Hi mommy

I had a culture test done for all different types of bad bugs and a few different things showed up including high levels of clostridium species.

The only problem that Roy did mention is it didn't tell me what clostridium species. Because i have had cdiff maybe it's this maybe not. I am still getting symptoms 2 years since getting the infection so maybe it is it.

Any way i am hoping to feel better soon. I spoke to my doctor about the infusions and he advised it will help all of the bad bugs i have in my system. Here in aus they do infusions also for IBS. The gastro also believes i have a low level chronic cdiff infection that is extremely difficult to impossible to pick up on tests.If what i have is lingering ibs since the bout of cdiff then i'm hoping this will help. some may think the infusion is a drastic measure but getting sick every other week, few days or month with horrible symptoms makes me take drastic measures. I have also chnaged my diet to lower carb hoping this helps but diet has never seemed to make much differenc to my symptoms.

Hope you are getting the treatment you need and am feeling better.

[Mommy23]

I would love to hear how the infusions go. I am also considering doing them at home with the assistance of the clinic. I've heard they are very successful for IBS as well.
Wishing you the best.