Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of Clostridium perfringens for epidemiological typing

Thirty-five Clostridium pelfringens isolates from patients and foods implic ated in seven outbreaks of suspected CI. perfringens food poisoning togethe r with five unrelated incidents were analysed by serotyping and amplified f ragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Despite minor band differences, AFLP wa s found to be highly reproducible and 16 different profiles (each unique to the 12 incidents) were recognised. The results from both serotyping and AF LP analysis identified exactly the same groups of related cultures. It is c oncluded that AFLP can provide a rapid, sensitive and reproducible method f or the typing of CE. perfringens for outbreak investigation. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.