Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of Clostridium perfringens for epidemiological typing

Thirty-five Clostridium perfringens isolates from patients and foods implicated in seven outbreaks of suspected Cl. perfringens food poisoning together with five unrelated incidents were analysed by serotyping and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Despite minor band differences, AFLP was found to be highly reproducible and 16 different profiles (each unique to the 12 incidents) were recognised. The results from both serotyping and AFLP analysis identified exactly the same groups of related cultures. It is concluded that AFLP can provide a rapid, sensitive and reproducible method for the typing of Cl. perfringens for outbreak investigation.