Controlled multiplex PCR of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens strains in food samples

A controlled multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Clostridium (C.) perfringens enterotoxin gene (cpe) was established and compared with an in vitro antigenic detection method. The cpe PCR and the classical method of electric immunodiffusion gave identical results. The predicted specific amplicon of the cpe gene was generated from all of the tested enterotoxigenic C. perfringens strains. In contrast, cultures of any other Clostridium species tested by PCR were negative (100% sensitivity, 100% specificity). Addition of an alphatoxin (plc) gene specific PCR as an in process control reaction was performed in order to prevent false negative PCR results. The PCR detection limit was 0.5 ng of genomic C. perfringens DNA per mi of bouillon culture. By contaminating minced meat with C. perfringens reference strains, the multiplex PCR was established as a tool for routine diagnostic laboratories. The detection limit was approximately 3.0 x 10(5) C. perfringens cells per gram meat. The results demonstrate the multiplex PCR as an easy, specific, sensitive and time saving diagnostic procedure. Application of this improved method should enhance the knowledge concerning epidemiological aspects of food borne diseases caused by enterotoxigenic C. perfringens. (C) 1998 Academic Press.