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Plasmid analysis as a means of strain differentiation in Clostridium perfringens
Abstract:
A total of 114 Clostridium perfringens isolates were serotyped and examined for plasmids. Fifty-two strains were from hospitalized patients with diarrhea or from hospital environments, and 62 epidemiologically unrelated isolates were obtained from food poisoning outbreaks. All strains were screened for bacteriocin production against a common indicator strain of C. perfringens. In the one significant hospital outbreak of C. perfringens diarrhea, three to five plasmid types were found in strains of the predominant serotype, but no similar correlation between serotype and plasmid type was found in random isolates from a variety of sources. All of the strains associated with the diarrhea outbreak produced bacteriocins, whereas 63% of the strains from various sources produced bacteriocins. The typing data suggest a promising differentiating capability for plasmid analysis in the epidemiological study of outbreaks of food poisoning, diarrhea, or infections caused by C. perfringens.
Insights
Plasmid analysis effectively differentiates Clostridium perfringens strains during outbreaks. This method aids in tracking food poisoning and diarrhea infections, offering valuable epidemiological insights.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Clostridium perfringens is a significant cause of foodborne illness and hospital-acquired infections.
- Effective epidemiological tools are crucial for controlling C. perfringens outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of plasmid profiling and bacteriocin production for differentiating Clostridium perfringens isolates.
- To investigate the relationship between serotype, plasmid type, and origin of C. perfringens strains.
Main Methods:
- Serotyping of 114 C. perfringens isolates from clinical and outbreak sources.
- Plasmid DNA analysis to determine plasmid types within isolates.
- Screening for bacteriocin production against a C. perfringens indicator strain.
Main Results:
- In a hospital diarrhea outbreak, 3-5 plasmid types were identified within the predominant serotype.
- No consistent correlation between serotype and plasmid type was observed in unrelated isolates.
- All outbreak-associated strains produced bacteriocins, compared to 63% of other isolates.
Conclusions:
- Plasmid analysis demonstrates significant potential for differentiating C. perfringens strains in epidemiological investigations.
- Bacteriocin production may serve as an additional marker for outbreak-related strains.
- This approach can enhance the understanding and control of C. perfringens-associated diseases.