Inhibition of Clostridium perfringens using Bacteriophages and Bacteriocin Producing Strains

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Antimicrobial agents
• Animal science

Background:

• Clostridium perfringens poses a significant threat to animal health and food safety.
• Novel antimicrobial strategies are needed to combat C. perfringens infections.
• Bacteriocins and bacteriophages show promise as alternatives to traditional antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize bacteriocin-producing strains and bacteriophages effective against C. perfringens.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial activity and stability of the isolated bacteriocin.
• To assess the combined efficacy of bacteriocin and phages for C. perfringens biocontrol and the probiotic potential of the producing strain.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of bacteriocin-producing strains and bacteriophages from animal feces using spot-on-the-lawn antagonism.
• Identification of the bacterial strain using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Antimicrobial activity assays, heat and pH stability tests, and in vivo probiotic efficacy evaluation.

Main Results:

• A strain identified as Streptococcus hyointestinalis B19 was isolated, producing a heat- and pH-stable bacteriocin with strong activity against C. perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes.
• Two bacteriophages (P4, A3) were isolated, exhibiting antimicrobial effects against C. perfringens.
• Combined treatment with S. hyointestinalis B19 bacteriocin and phages demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to complete eradication of C. perfringens in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Isolated bacteriocin and bacteriophages are effective candidates for biocontrol of C. perfringens.
• Bacteriocin-producing S. hyointestinalis B19 strain shows potential as a probiotic for domestic animals.
• The synergistic antimicrobial action highlights a promising strategy for managing C. perfringens in animal agriculture.