Evaluation of two PCR-based procedures for typing Clostridium perfringens

Two polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based procedures for typing Clostridium perfringens, which affects most domestic animals, were compared and evalua ted for efficiency as substitute to the guinea-pig intradermal test routine ly used in our laboratory, namely a multiplex PCR and a protocol based on t he individual amplification of gene sequences specific for each toxin. Refe rence isolates of C. perfringens types A, B, C and D as well as cultures fr om clinical specimens were tested. Thr sensitivity ansi specificity of the PCR was confirmed on reference isolates. There was similarity in results on 43 of the 46 samples typed by all 3 methods. Clear results were obtained b y PCR on 5 clinical samples that showed either equivocal or weak skill reac tions in guinea-pigs. The multiplex PCR protocol, in combination with the e valuation of bacterial growth, is a better alternative to in vivo toxin typ ing, since C. perfringens can only be incriminated as cause of a disease wh en it is present in large numbers in the intestine.