To detect the presence of Clostridium difficile toxins A and B in the stools of patients hospitalized in the University Hospital Olomouc who developed diarrhoea or other abdominal symptoms (abdominal pain, tympanites, indigestion, partial intestinal obstruction) related to antibiotic therapy. Given occasional dyspepsia and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates, to consider the potential role of these toxins, in addition to that of the immature intestine, in the development of the condition. To confirm the hypothesis by stool tests to detect the toxins also in normal neonates or those with no gastrointestinal symptoms. In selected stool samples, to compare detection of the toxins with C. difficile strains confirmed by culture.

Department of Microbiology Palacký University in Olomouc Czech Republic