Prevalence and toxin gene profiles of Clostridium perfringens in diarrheic dogs and cats in Korea: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Importance: Clostridium perfringens is a significant enteropathogen affecting both humans and animals, causing gastrointestinal symptoms of varying severity, including diarrhea in dogs and cats. Understanding the distribution of toxinotypes is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and toxin gene profiles of C. perfringens strains isolated from dogs and cats with diarrhea in the Republic of Korea, providing insights regarding the predominant toxinotypes in C. perfringens-associated diarrhea.

Methods: Fecal specimens from dogs and cats with diarrhea were analyzed using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect various C. perfringens toxin genes. The isolates were categorized into established toxinotype groups based on their toxin gene profiles.

Results: Of the 110 fecal samples (from 50 dogs and 60 cats), a majority of the C. perfringens isolates were classified as type A, with a small percentage identified as type F. Type B, C, D, and E isolates were not found. Additionally, a significant portion of the isolates carried the β2 toxin gene, which is associated with pathogenicity but not considered for toxinotype classification. Type A was the predominant C. perfringens toxinotype in both dogs and cats, while type F was detected in a few cases.

Conclusions and relevance: These findings may aid in predicting toxinotypes in future diarrhea outbreaks and support the development of targeted control measures. Further research is required to clarify the clinical relevance of these toxinotypes in C. perfringens-associated diarrhea.

Keywords: Clostridium perfringens; companion animals; diarrhea; genotypes; real-time PCR.