Clostridium difficile toxin

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea and intestinal inflammation, especially after antibiotic use disrupts healthy gut bacteria. It produces toxins—mainly Toxin A and Toxin B—that damage the lining of the intestines, leading to symptoms like loose stool, abdominal pain, and fever. These toxins interfere with normal cell functions, causing inflammation and tissue damage. C. difficile toxin can be detected in stool tests and is a key factor in diagnosing infections, which often require specific antibiotics to treat.