Multiplex PCR and latex agglutination for identification and characterization of toxigenic clostridium difficile from raw milk

Abstract EN

Community-acquired C.

Diff.

infections have recently been increasing in incidence and severity.

Several studies have isolated C.

Diff.

spores from livestock and food suggesting that food may play a role in transmission.

The overall goals of this research were to : 1) determine prevalence of C.

Diff.

from raw milk using selective (cycloserine-cefoxitin fructose agar [CCFA] ; 2) determine toxigenic profiles of C.

Diff.

isolated using PCR targeting tpi and tcdB genes.

A total of 50 random samples of raw marketable milk were collected from different localities in Assuit city, Egypt.

The obtained results indicated that about 11 (22 %) out of 50 examined raw milk samples were positive for C.

Diff.

using conventional method.

While, 2 strains of C.

Diff.

(18.2 %) out of the positive 11 strains could be detected using the latex agglutination test.

The prevelance rate of C.

Diff using multiplex PCR was one (50 %) out of the two tested strains containing the DNA of C.

Diff., which was negative for toxin B production.

The public health concern of C.

Diff and the suggestive measures were disscused.

The prescence of toxigenic C.

Diff.

in raw milk is of great concern and suggests its transmission through milk, which needs proper milking and handling to reduce risk to the public health.