Genes Encoding Toxin ofClostridium difficilein Children with and without Diarrhea
The presence of gene 16S rRNA and genes encoding toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), and binary toxin (cdtA/cdtB) ofClostridium difficilein stool samples from children with (110) and without (150) diarrhea was determined by using a TaqMan system. Fifty-seven (21.9%) out of 260 stool samples harbored the 16S rRNA gene. The genetic profile oftcdA+/tcdB−andcdtA+/cdtB+was verified in oneC. difficile-positive diarrhea sample and oftcdA+/tcdB+in threeC. difficile-positive nondiarrhea samples. The presence oftcdA+/tcdB+in stools obtained from children without diarrhea, suggests that they were asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic strains.