Detection of Clostridium difficile enterotoxin in neonates by latex agglutination.

Clostridium difficile enterotoxin (D-1) was detected in 13 symptomatic and nine asymptomatic neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit by latex agglutination test but was not found in 18 healthy neonates in two other newborn nurseries. Environmental contamination in the intensive care unit may have been the cause. An association between the presence of enterotoxin and clinical symptoms is discussed.