In - house validation of PCR based procedure for specific detection of Clostridium botulinum types C and D

A PCR-based procedure for detection of C. botulinum C and D in corn silage samples was validated. During the validation, method specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy were determined according to PN - EN ISO 16140:2004. Additionally, the specificity of the validated methods was proved by sequence analysis of PCR products obtained from examination of samples connected with botulism cases in cattle and mallard ducks. Limit of detection was estimated according to the Spearman - Kärber formula and expressed as LOD₅₀. The obtained results showed that a 100% specificity was achieved. The sequencing of PCR products revealed 99% identity with sequences of bont/C and bont/D genes deposited in the GenBank. The sensitivity value ranged from 63.3% for C. botulinum type C to 75% for type D. The accuracy value varied from 72% for type C to 81.3% for type D. LOD₅₀ was estimated at the levels of 0.272 (0. D 188-0395) spore/g for type C and 0.17 (0.1 -0.289) spore/g for type D. The described PCR-based procedure enabled detection of C. botulinum C and D at the stage of liquid culture. This makes examination of feed samples possible without isolation process. The presented procedure could support the diagnosis of botulism by faster and specific laboratory examination process.