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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Milestones in Clostridium perfringens research since 1995
Bruce A McClane1, Jihong Li1, Francisco A Uzal2
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
Abstract:
Clostridium perfringens is an important human and veterinary pathogen, as well as a common member of the normal intestinal microbiota. By applying molecular approaches, substantial progress has been achieved since 1995 in understanding the pathogenicity and biology of this gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium. For example, there is now a much improved understanding of the structure and action of its "legacy" toxins (i.e., CPA, PFO, ETX, CPB, ITX and CPE) and the pathogenic importance of many of those toxins has now been clearly demonstrated. In addition, several new toxins have been discovered since 1995 and at least one of those new toxins (NetB) has been clearly linked to disease. The importance and diversity of mobile genetic elements, particularly conjugative plasmids, for pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance is now established. Several regulators controlling virulence gene expression have been identified and, in some cases, their regulatory mechanisms have been clarified. For some regulators, their importance for virulence has also been demonstrated. Lastly, there is also improved knowledge of sporulation and germination mechanisms for C. perfringens, as well as how sporulation contributes to disease transmission and pathogenesis for this bacterium. Despite these advances, some important questions about C. perfringens remain to be explored.
Insights
Clostridium perfringens research has advanced understanding of its toxins, mobile genetic elements, and virulence regulation. Further exploration is needed to fully understand this important pathogen and its role in disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Clostridium perfringens is a significant human and veterinary pathogen.
- It is also a common component of the gut microbiota.
- Molecular approaches have greatly improved understanding since 1995.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in understanding Clostridium perfringens pathogenicity and biology.
- To highlight newly discovered toxins and their disease links.
- To discuss the role of mobile genetic elements and virulence regulators.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular approaches and scientific literature since 1995.
- Analysis of toxin discovery and characterization.
- Investigation of mobile genetic elements and regulatory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Improved understanding of "legacy" toxins (CPA, PFO, ETX, CPB, ITX, CPE) and their pathogenic roles.
- Discovery of new toxins, including NetB, linked to disease.
- Established importance of mobile genetic elements for pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance.
- Identified regulators of virulence gene expression and their mechanisms.
- Enhanced knowledge of sporulation, germination, and their contribution to pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding Clostridium perfringens biology and pathogenicity.
- Key toxins, mobile genetic elements, and regulatory pathways are better understood.
- Further research is required to address remaining questions about this bacterium.
