Which stool characteristic would indicate a Clostridium difficile infection?

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The characteristic that would indicate a Clostridium difficile infection is the presence of liquid stools occurring thrice in 24 hours. This type of diarrhea is a hallmark sign of a C. difficile infection, which is often associated with antibiotic use that disrupts normal gut flora. C. difficile produces toxins that lead to inflammation and diarrhea, and the frequency and liquidity of the stools can help clinicians suspect this infection.

In clinical practice, diagnosis often considers the consistency and frequency of diarrhea, alongside other symptoms such as abdominal pain or fever. The more frequent and liquid nature of the stools increases the likelihood of C. difficile as the underlying cause, especially when paired with recent antibiotic use or healthcare exposure.

Other stool characteristics, such as brown and firm consistency or yellow and solid stools, do not typically indicate a C. difficile infection and may suggest a different gastrointestinal condition. Additionally, while consistent diarrhea for several days can be seen in various infections, specifying "liquid stools occurring thrice in 24 hours" provides a clearer and more specific indication of a gastrointestinal disturbance that aligns closely with C. difficile infections.

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