Quantification of Cell Proliferation and Alpha-Toxin Gene Expression of Clostridium perfringens in the Development of Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens▿

摘要

Cell proliferation and alpha-toxin gene expression of Clostridium perfringens in relation to the development of necrotic enteritis (NE) were investigated. Unlike bacitracin-treated chickens, non-bacitracin-treated birds exhibited typical NE symptoms and reduced growth performance. They also demonstrated increased C. perfringens proliferation and alpha-toxin gene expression that were positively correlated and progressed according to the regression model y = b0 + b1X − b2X2. The average C. perfringens count of 5 log10 CFU/g in the ileal digesta appears to be a threshold for developing NE with a lesion score of 2.