Comparison of the nucleotide sequence and development of a PCR test for the epsilon toxin gene ofClostridium perfringenstype B and type D

Abstract

The sequence of the epsilon toxin gene of Clostridium perfringens type D was determined and compared with that of the previously reported type B sequence. It showed two nucleotide changes in the open reading frame, giving rise to one amino acid substitution. The promoter sequences were not homologous, and different putative −35 and −10 regions have been identified in each. The sequence information was used to develop PCR primers which were specific for the epsilon toxin gene. The utility of this system for identifying type B or D strains of C. perfringens was demonstrated.

Detection of Clostridium septicum Hemolysin Gene by Polymerase Chain Reaction.

“…By this technique, organisms can be detected and identified directly from clinical specimens or environmental samples. Recently, PCR has been used for the detection of toxin genes, including neurotoxins of C. botulinum type A to F [4][5][6][7][18][19][20], major toxins and enterotoxin of C. perfringens [3,10,16], and toxin A of C. difficile [8,[13][14].…”