Insights on toxin genotyping, virulence, antibiogram profiling, biofilm formation and efficacy of disinfectants on biofilms of Clostridium perfringens isolated from poultry, animals and humans.

AIMS

This study aimed to determine the toxin genotypes, virulence determinants and antibiogram of Clostridium perfringens isolated from poultry, animals and humans. Biofilm formation and the efficacy of disinfectants on C. perfringens biofilms were studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty C. perfringens isolates (20 clinical and 10 from chicken carcasses) were genotyped by PCR and all isolates were genotype A (cpa+). The overall prevalence of cpe, cpb2, netB and tpeL virulence genes was 6·7, 56·7, 56·7 and 36·7% respectively. Twenty-one isolates (70%) were multidrug-resistant, 8 (26·7%) were extensive drug-resistant and one isolate (3·3%) was pan drug-resistant. The average multiple antibiotic resistance index was 0·7. Biofilms were produced by 63·3% of C. perfringens isolates and categorized as weak (36·7%), moderate (16·7%) and strong (10%). Sodium hypochlorite caused significant reduction in C. perfringens biofilms (P < 0·0001).

CONCLUSIONS

All C. perfringens strains in this study were type A, resistant to multiple antibiotics and most of them were biofilm producers. Sodium hypochlorite showed higher efficacy in reducing C. perfringens biofilms.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study reported the efficacy of disinfectants in reducing C. perfringens biofilms of economic and public health concern and recommends application on surfaces in farms, food processing plants and slaughterhouses.