Rapid Confirmation of Clostridium perfringens by Using Chromogenic and Fluorogenic Substrates

The use of 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate (MUP) and ortho-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside (ONPG) for the identification of Clostridium perfringens was investigated. A liquid assay containing both MUP and ONPG was a highly specific alternative method for C. perfringens confirmation, reducing incubation time from 48 to only 4 h. The assay solution is easy to prepare, does not require anaerobic conditions for use, and has an extended shelf life.