From December 28-30, 2022, the 5th Southern Clinical Laboratory Medicine Academic Conference, the 16th Guangdong-Guangxi-Hainan Clinical Laboratory Medicine Academic Conference, and the 2022 Guangdong Society of Clinical Laboratory Medicine Academic Conference were successfully held in Zhuhai. HTDK showcased the TECHLAB Clostridium difficile rapid detection test at the event, engaging with domestic industry peers to discuss the latest research findings and development trends in clinical laboratory and laboratory management. The innovative equipment and applications presented by HTDK attracted significant attention from leading domestic experts.

Overview of the Conferences

The joint conferences, hosted by the Guangdong Medical Association and organized by the Guangdong, Hainan, and Guangxi Medical Associations’ Clinical Laboratory Medicine Divisions, are large-scale academic meetings in the clinical laboratory field. Nearly 1,000 participants attended both online and offline, discussing the latest research outcomes and development trends in clinical laboratory and laboratory management, and addressing new challenges in clinical laboratory medicine.

HTDK’s Presentation

At the conference, HTDK showcased the TECHLAB C.DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE rapid diagnostic test, which can simultaneously detect glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxins A/B within 30 minutes using enzyme immunoassay. This product sparked considerable interest among the attending experts.

About Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile is a complex and dangerous intestinal pathogen widely present in nature, human, and animal intestines and feces. It is a leading cause of hospital-acquired intestinal infections. Clinically, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) accounts for approximately 15%-25% of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, 50%-75% of antibiotic-associated colitis, and 95%-100% of pseudomembranous colitis cases. CDI is caused by the overgrowth of toxin-producing Clostridium difficile, leading to gut flora imbalance and toxin release, with clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic carriage to mild to moderate diarrhea, and severe cases potentially resulting in death.

Rising Global Incidence of CDI

The widespread use of antibiotics has led to an increasing global incidence of CDI. Since the early 21st century, the emergence of hypervirulent strains has caused regional outbreaks in North America, Australia, and Europe, significantly raising the incidence and severity of CDI worldwide. In 2013, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Clostridium difficile as the top antibiotic-resistant threat at the highest emergency level. Despite continuous improvements in hospital infection prevention, CDI infection rates continue to grow by over 4% annually, with approximately 453,000 CDI cases, 83,000 recurrences, and 29,300 deaths each year, leading to extended hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. In China, where antibiotic consumption is high, CDI is a major health threat.

HTDK’s participation in these prestigious conferences and the presentation of the TECHLAB C.DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE rapid diagnostic test underscore the company’s commitment to providing advanced diagnostic solutions for intestinal diseases. The event facilitated valuable discussions and knowledge exchange, promoting the latest technologies and applications in the field of clinical laboratory diagnostics.

Reference: Fecal Mycobiota Combined With Host Immune Factors Distinguish Clostridioides Difficile Lnfection From Asymptomatic Carriage.