1,2-propanediol conditions growth of Clostridium perfringens in infant gut

Clostridiaceae are initial butyrate producers which start colonizing the gut after 3-months age. One of the main metabolites accumulated in the gut of breastfed infant is 1,2-propanediol (1,2PD), as a result of fucose metabolism. Clostridium perfringens is a frequent inhabitant in the infant, however, the impact of 1,2PD in the bacterium has not been yet elucidated. C. perfringens FMT 1006, from healthy infant gut, showed high consumption of 1,2PD (78%) with 1-propanol as the main metabolite formed. A carbon recovery of 33% was observed. When cultured in equimolar concentrations of 1,2PD and glucose, carbon recovery was 87%. Glucose metabolism shifted from mostly lactate formation to higher acetate formation when 1,2PD was present. NADH availability increased 1-propanol formation and thereby, carbon recovery. 1,2PD is an alcohol which could potentially increase membrane fluidity. We evaluated the effect by Laurdan assay and membrane composition after 24 h exposure. 1,2PD exerted slight increase of membrane fluidity which consequently changed the composition of the membrane to elongated lipids, rigidifying it. C. perfringens may be responsible for 1-propanol formation in neonates due to presence of 1,2PD and glucose during first months of life.