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Enrichment and Detection of Clostridium perfringens Toxinotypes in Retail Food Samples
Published on: October 18, 2019
The rapid identification of Clostridium perfringens as the possible aetiology of a diarrhoeal outbreak using PCR
1Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore. jimmyloh@dso.org.sg
Abstract:
A gastroenteritis outbreak occurred in a military camp where a laboratory and epidemiological investigation was carried out. The early onset of symptoms indicated probable food contamination with Clostridium perfringens. Stool samples collected from affected patients were tested within 4 h via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of the C. perfringens plc gene. Ten out of the 12 stool samples were positive. Confirmation of the molecular test results was carried out by enumeration of C. perfringens in stool by culture and shown to be in excess of 106 spores/g stool. The isolates obtained from culture were further analysed by PCR for the presence of the chromosomal enterotoxin (cpe) gene. Based on the clinical symptoms, epidemiological and laboratory investigations, C. perfringens was implicated as the aetiological agent. The ability to conduct real-time PCR analysis greatly shortens the time to diagnosis and allows for preventive and control measures to be effected quickly.
Insights
Clostridium perfringens caused a gastroenteritis outbreak in a military camp. Rapid real-time PCR testing confirmed the foodborne illness, enabling swift control measures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Gastroenteritis outbreaks pose significant public health challenges, particularly in congregate settings.
- Early identification of the causative agent is crucial for effective outbreak management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the etiological agent of a gastroenteritis outbreak in a military camp.
- To evaluate the utility of real-time PCR for rapid diagnosis of Clostridium perfringens infections.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of the outbreak.
- Laboratory analysis of stool samples using real-time PCR for the plc gene.
- Culture-based confirmation and enumeration of Clostridium perfringens.
- PCR analysis for the chromosomal enterotoxin (cpe) gene.
Main Results:
- Clostridium perfringens was identified as the causative agent of the outbreak.
- Real-time PCR detected the plc gene in 10 out of 12 stool samples within 4 hours.
- Culture confirmed high levels of Clostridium perfringens ( > 10^6 spores/g stool) in affected individuals.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium perfringens was confirmed as the cause of the military camp gastroenteritis outbreak.
- Real-time PCR significantly reduced diagnostic time, facilitating rapid implementation of control measures.
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