Clostridium perfringens in Korean pig farms: antimicrobial resistance and toxin profiles
10.4142/jvs.25321
- Author:
Chang-Won IM
;
Doosung CHEON
;
Kihong PARK
;
Young-Ho JOO
;
Wan-Kyu LEE
- Publication Type:Research Report
- From:Journal of Veterinary Science
2026;27(3):e34-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:To characterize toxin gene profiles and antimicrobial resistance among Clostridium perfringens isolated from diarrheic piglets in Korea.
Methods:Fecal samples (n = 1,627) were collected from 286 farms in 2023–2024. Clostridium perfringens isolates (n = 410) were recovered under anaerobic conditions. Toxin genes (cpa, cpb, cpb2, cpe, etx, and iap) were detected by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction.Susceptibility to 18 antimicrobials was assessed by disc diffusion.
Results:Type A strains (cpa alone [24.6%] or cpa+cpb2 [46.8%]) predominated; cpb2 and cpe were detected in 73.4% and 19.0% of isolates, respectively. Resistance was highest to bacitracin (94.9%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (79.8%), and florfenicol (81.5%).
Conclusions:and Relevance: In 2023–2024, type A isolates carrying cpb2 were the predominant toxinotype among Clostridium perfringens recovered from diarrheic piglets in Korea. The high prevalence of resistance to several commonly used agents supports strengthened antimicrobial stewardship and evaluation of alternative control strategies.
