Clostridium perfringens
Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic, Gram-positive, sporeforming rod. It is widely distributed in the environment and frequently occurs in the intestines of humans and many domestic and feral animals. Spores of the organism persist in soil, sediments, and areas subject to human or animal fecal pollution. It is the most important cause of clostridial enteric disease in domestic animals, and human cases are probably more common that is usually recognized. Strains of the organism are placed into one of five phenotypes (referred to as types A-E) on the basis of production of the four major toxins, alpha, beta, epsilon, and iota. All isolates of
C. perfringens produce alpha toxin, while strains of types B and C also produce beta toxin, strains of types B and D also produce epsilon toxin, and strains of type E also produce iota toxin. Any phenotype can produce enterotoxin (cpe).Our work with C. perfringens has addressed a number of current issues. One is diagnosis, and we have developed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for genotyping, eliminating the need for toxin testing in mice. We now offer genotyping services to interested individuals and laboratories through CEDU and AzVDL.
A second emphasis area is elucidation of the pathogenesis of type A enteric infections. Discovering the virulence factors of this group of organisms may lead us to more effective methods for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
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