ABSTRACT
In this study, the application of amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) for characterizing Clostridium botulinum toxinotype A strains isolated from individuals with botulism was evaluated. Ten restriction enzymes were tested for their suitability in ARDRA as a typing method and HhaI was selected for the best outcome. Analysis of HhaI restriction profiles of the amplified products divided C. botulinum isolates into three clusters. Non-toxigenic Clostridium sporogenes strains showed an ARDRA restriction pattern that was distinct from those observed for C. botulinum. The successful use of ARDRA for subdivision of C. botulinum in this study confirmed that this technique is a powerful method for typing of C. botulinum toxinotype A clonal diversity. In addition, it is rapid, sensitive and simple.
Subject(s)
Bacterial Typing Techniques/methods , Botulism/microbiology , Clostridium botulinum type A/classification , Clostridium botulinum type A/genetics , DNA, Ribosomal/genetics , Genes, rRNA , Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length , Clostridium botulinum type A/isolation & purification , Cluster Analysis , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific , Humans , Polymerase Chain ReactionSubject(s)
Botulism/drug therapy , Fish Products/microbiology , Adolescent , Adult , Botulinum Antitoxin/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Iran , Sodium ChlorideABSTRACT
Cases of botulism in the northern province of Iran were studied in March and April 1997. A total of 27 patients were affected; 1 patient died. The samples were sent to the Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, for investigation. To identify the food source, several patients were interviewed and a case control investigation was conducted among families of hospitalized patients. Clinical and food specimens were tested. Toxin testing was positive for 37% of serum and stool specimens. Type A botulinal toxin was detected in cheese and Clostridium botulinum type A was isolated from cultures of clinical specimens and the cheese. This is the first documented outbreak of botulism due to Clostridium botulinum type A following consumption of cheese in Iran.
