Molecular diversity of Clostridium botulinum and phenotypically similar strains

Abstract

AbstractThis study was undertaken to examine phenotypic and genetic features of strains preliminary classified asClostridium botulinumspecies. The phenotypic characteristics were assessed with different culture media and biochemical tests. The genetic characterization included detection of botulinum toxin genes by PCR and macrorestriction analysis withSmaI,XhoI andSacII by PFGE (Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis). Despite similar biochemical properties of all analysed strains, only 47% of them contained genes determining toxicity specific toC. botulinumspecies. The most valuable differentiation ofC. botulinumandC. botulinum-like strains was obtained afterSmaI digestion. The highest affinity was observed amongC. botulinumtype B profiles which was even up to 100%. It was found 100% of affinity betweenC. botulinumandC. botulinum-like strains, however, the similarity amongC. botulinumandC. botulinum-like was generally lower than 80%.