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Occurrence of Clostridium perfringens β2-toxin amongst animals, determined using genotyping and subtyping PCR assays

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2000

H. S. GARMORY
Affiliation:
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, CBD Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ
N. CHANTER
Affiliation:
Centre for Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, P.O. Box 5, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7DW
N. P. FRENCH
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, S. Wirral L64 7TE
D. BUESCHEL
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona 85721, USA
J. G. SONGER
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona 85721, USA
R. W. TITBALL
Affiliation:
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, CBD Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ
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Abstract

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Clostridium perfringens isolates are currently classified into one of five biotypes on the basis of the differential production of α-, β-, ε- and ι-toxins. Different biotypes are associated with different diseases of man and animals. In this study a multiple PCR assay was developed to detect the genes encoding these toxins. In addition, detection of the genes encoding the C. perfringens enterotoxin and β2-toxin allowed subtyping of the bacteria. C. perfringens isolates taken from a variety of animals, including foals, piglets or lambs, were genotyped using this assay. Most of the isolates were found to be genotype A and the gene encoding β-toxin was present in 50% of the isolates genotyped. A significant association between C. perfringens possessing the β2-toxin gene and diarrhoea in piglets was identified, suggesting that β2-toxin may play a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2000 Cambridge University Press