C. difficile Toxin B Test · Stool

Toxin B is considered the primary driver of tissue injury in C. difficile infections and is more strongly associated with severe disease than toxin A. It disrupts intestinal cells, leading to inflammation, diarrhea, and sometimes life-threatening colitis. Detection of the toxin B gene indicates the organism has the capability to produce this toxin, though not all carriers are symptomatic. Antibiotic exposure is a major risk factor for activation and overgrowth. Elevated levels warrant careful clinical evaluation and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics.