THE GROWTH-INHIBITION OF CLOSTRIDIUM-PERFRINGENS BY FECAL ENTEROCOCCI

The inhibitory activity of six strains of faecal enterococci against 2 0 strains of Clostridium perfringens -s examined in vitro. The inhibit ion of Clostridium perfringens was variabile. Enterococcus faecium R2A , Enterococcus faecium 24 C, and Enterococcus faecium 4132 exhibited t he most striking inhibitory activity. The inhibition of the clostridia by the faecal enterococci was also demonstrated in animal experiments . Enterococcus faecium 4132 significantly decreased (p < 0.001) the co unts of clostridia in the crop wall and cecum contents in the experime ntal group of chickens.