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Enrichment and Detection of Clostridium perfringens Toxinotypes in Retail Food Samples
Published on: October 18, 2019
Evidence of Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin associated with multiple sclerosis
Sariqa Wagley1, Monika Bokori-Brown1, Helen Morcrette1
1College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Background:
It was recently reported that, using Western blotting, some multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the United States had antibodies against epsilon toxin (Etx) from Clostridium perfringens, suggesting that the toxin may play a role in the disease.
Objective:
We investigated for serum antibodies against Etx in UK patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) or presenting with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or optic neuritis (ON) and in age- and gender-matched controls.
Methods:
We tested sera from CDMS, CIS or ON patients or controls by Western blotting. We also tested CDMS sera for reactivity with linear overlapping peptides spanning the amino acid sequence (Pepscan) of Etx.
Results:
Using Western blotting, 24% of sera in the combined CDMS, CIS and ON groups ( n = 125) reacted with Etx. In the control group ( n = 125), 10% of the samples reacted. Using Pepscan, 33% of sera tested reacted with at least one peptide, whereas in the control group only 16% of sera reacted. Out of 61 samples, 21 (43%) were positive to one or other testing methodology. Three samples were positive by Western blotting and Pepscan.
Conclusion:
Our results broadly support the previous findings and the role of Etx in the aetiology of MS warrants further investigation.
Insights
Antibodies against epsilon toxin (Etx) from Clostridium perfringens were found in UK multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, supporting a potential role for Etx in MS aetiology and warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Previous US-based studies detected antibodies against Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (Etx) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- This suggests a potential role for Etx in the pathogenesis of MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of serum antibodies against Etx in UK patients diagnosed with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), or optic neuritis (ON).
- To compare antibody prevalence in these patient groups against age- and gender-matched healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Sera from CDMS, CIS, ON patients, and controls were tested using Western blotting.
- CDMS patient sera were further analyzed for reactivity against linear overlapping peptides of Etx using Pepscan analysis.
Main Results:
- Western blotting revealed Etx antibodies in 24% of MS/CIS/ON patients versus 10% of controls.
- Pepscan analysis showed reactivity in 33% of patients compared to 16% of controls.
- Overall, 43% of tested samples showed reactivity to Etx via at least one method.
Conclusions:
- The findings support previous research suggesting a link between Etx and MS.
- The role of epsilon toxin in the aetiology of multiple sclerosis requires further in-depth investigation.
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