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Genetic research

Rise of Antibiotic Resistance in Clostridium perfringens: A Global Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study by researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University has highlighted the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance in Clostridium perfringens, a food-borne anaerobic bacterium that causes chronic disease in humans and animals. The study, published in Current Research in Food Science, found that 39.5% of isolates were resistant to clindamycin, 32.6% to tetracycline, and 29.1% to at least two classes of commonly used antibiotics. The researchers identified 33 unique, previously uncharacterized sequence types (STs) among the 86 representative isolates, with 30.23% of these STs grouped into six clonal complexes (CCs).

Key Takeaways:

  • 39.5% of Clostridium perfringens isolates were resistant to clindamycin, while 32.6% were resistant to tetracycline, highlighting the growing concern of antibiotic resistance in this food-borne bacterium.
  • The study found that 29.1% of the isolates were resistant to at least two classes of commonly used antibiotics, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures.
  • The researchers identified 33 unique, previously uncharacterized sequence types (STs) among the 86 representative isolates, with 30.23% of these STs grouped into six clonal complexes (CCs).
  • The study's findings emphasize the urgent need for epidemic surveillance of Clostridium perfringens in livestock settings to mitigate the risks of human transmission via environmental or food sources.
  • Bacteriophages present a promising avenue as bio-antimicrobial agents for controlling the transmission of Clostridium perfringens from animal sources to humans.

Statistics:

  • 398 isolates were sequenced, with 86 representing a diverse set of STs and CCs.
  • 39.5% of isolates were resistant to clindamycin, while 32.6% were resistant to tetracycline.
  • 29.1% of the isolates were resistant to at least two classes of commonly used antibiotics.
  • 33 unique, previously uncharacterized sequence types (STs) were identified among the 86 representative isolates.
  • 30.23% of these STs were grouped into six clonal complexes (CCs).
  • 74/86 (80.1%) of isolates were inhibited by bacteriophage SD72, irrespective of ST types and antimicrobial resistance.

Sources:

  • Genome MLST scheme for tracing genetic diversity and multidrug resistance of food animal-derived Clostridium perfringens. Current Research in Food Science, 2025;11:101149.
  • NewsRx. Findings on Clostridium perfringens Described by Researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University (Genome MLST scheme for tracing genetic diversity and multidrug resistance of food animal-derived Clostridium perfringens). Chemicals & Chemistry. August 15, 2025; p 892.

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