A new ASTM International standard provides an easy-to-perform test method for growing different strains of Clostridium difficile spores, which are used by microbiologists to evaluate antimicrobial drugs. 

Spore crops grown using the test method (soon to be published as E3011, Test Method for in vitro Production of Clostridium Difficile Spores) will be used in laboratories to test the efficacy of drugs that fight C. difficile, a source of infectious intestinal diseases such as colitis.

Subcommittee E35.15 on Antimicrobial Agents invites all interested parties to participate in its standards developing activities.

To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-environmental.

ASTM Committee E35 on Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents Next Meeting: Oct. 26-29, 2015, October Committee Week, Tampa, Fla.
Media Inquiries: Nathan Osburn, tel +1.610.832.9603; nosburn@astm.org
Technical Contact: Lisa Hellickson, Ecolab, Eagan, Minn, tel+1.651.795.5709; lisa.hellickson@ecolab.com 
ASTM Staff Contact: Brian Milewski, tel +1.610.832.9619; bmilewski@astm.org

Release #9884