Direct detection of enterotoxin in patients' stools during an outbreak of food poisoning

Abstract

An outbreak of diarrhoea in a hotel affected 25 time keepers attending the 1997 Mediterranean Games. Epidemiological investigation implicated a 'pasta al ragù' consumed at the hotel's restaurant and Clostridium perfringens food poisoning was identified by direct detection of C. perfringens enterotoxin in patients' stools. This report confirms that a careful evaluation of epidemiological features, together with the availability of direct and rapid laboratory methods, may lead to a prompt identification of C. perfringens food poisoning.

Waterborne Outbreak of Norwalk-Like Virus Gastroenteritis at a Tourist Resort, Italy

“…Ova and parasites were detected by direct microscopy, and Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter , Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus , and enteropathogenic E. coli were sought by standard methods ( 14 ). The presence of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) was determined either by assaying the cytopathic effect on Vero cells or by reverse passive latex agglutination (RPLA) test (Oxoid Italia Spa, Garbagnate Milanese, Milan) according to the manufacturer’s instructions ( 14 ).…”

“…The presence of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) was determined either by assaying the cytopathic effect on Vero cells or by reverse passive latex agglutination (RPLA) test (Oxoid Italia Spa, Garbagnate Milanese, Milan) according to the manufacturer’s instructions ( 14 ).…”

Devastating Presentations of Regional Enteritis (Crohn's Disease): Two Reports of Survival Following Severe Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

“…Bacteremia caused by clostridial species is unusual and occurs mainly in association with intra-abdominal sepsis associated with trauma, or surgery [8], or as a manifestation of occult carcinoma [9]. Clostridia are reportedly isolated in only 0.3% of all blood cultures [10]. Clostridium perfringens is distributed widely in the environment, and is a colonizer of human, domestic animal, and feral animal intestines.…”

“…An arterial blood gas was notable for a pH of 7.14 (7.35-7.45), PaCO 2 of 23 mm Hg (35-45), and a bicarbonate concentration of 9 mEq/L (22-32), consistent with a primary metabolic acidosis. The anion gap was 30 mEq/L (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). A chest X-ray was normal.…”