C. difficile infection

The test assigns weighted scores to each symptom and factor, reflecting their clinical relevance in predicting disease severity and mortality. Symptom domains include diarrhea frequency, fever, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, weight loss, and functional impairment. Clinical findings such as white blood cell count, imaging results, and endoscopic signs are incorporated to capture systemic and local disease burden. Additionally, treatment history (e.g., vancomycin, fidaxomicin, FMT) is scored to identify treatment-resistant or recurrent CDI.

Risk factors such as age, diabetes, malignancy, cardiopulmonary disease, liver disease, and kidney injury are derived from the CARDS model, which has documented correlation with inpatient mortality. Each answer option corresponds to a pre-assigned score, and the total SIS score ranges from 0 to 100. Based on this cumulative score, patients are categorized into six severity groups: very mild, mild, moderate, severe, very severe, and critical.

The scale is calibrated to recommend corresponding interventions, ranging from home treatment with hydration to urgent hospitalization. Treatment pathways such as DiffBiome 30, DiffBiome+, and HospBiome 5 are mapped to severity ranges, supporting clinical decision-making. The scoring of symptoms (e.g., diarrhea or fever) is based on quantitative ranges informed by clinical guidelines and validated patient-reported outcome measures. Each symptom contributes proportionally to the final risk profile.

The methodology emphasizes precision, clarity, and triage suitability in both home and clinical settings. It enables rapid assessment without invasive procedures, while preserving alignment with evidence-based treatment protocols. Points are dynamically assigned using logic-based branching in Typeform or similar platforms. Scoring outcomes are displayed alongside actionable advice based on the SIS tier.

MicroBiome Bank recommends a hyperbolic-like treatment protocol tailored to severity: in acute or severe cases, a high-dose, high-density capsule regimen is initiated. As symptoms improve, both dosage and capsule density are gradually reduced, reflecting the decreasing burden of infection and inflammation. On the opposite end of the hyperbolic model, long-term, low-dose microbiota therapy is recommended to address dysbiosis — the root cause of many recurrent C. difficile infections. This approach is supported by strategies to identify and reduce harmful exposomes (dietary, pharmaceutical, environmental) that compromise microbial balance.

This evaluation tool is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment. It is an informational resource, combining peer-reviewed scoring systems into a unified structure to aid clinical awareness and patient safety. All treatment decisions, including the use of microbiota-based therapies, must be carried out under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. Misuse or misinterpretation of the tool outside professional contexts may lead to delayed or inappropriate care. By proceeding with this test, users acknowledge its advisory nature and accept responsibility for seeking appropriate medical consultation.