CppA: A putative major fimbrial protein and novel virulence factor for clostridial myonecrosis

Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium that causes a ‘flesh-eating disease’ known as clostridial myonecrosis, primarily by producing potent toxins. This thesis examines a novel surface protein, CppA, which was shown to be a novel non-toxin disease determinant. CppA was also shown to form fimbriae-like appendages on the cell and potentially contributes to disease by mediating colonisation of host tissues. Therefore, the research described in this thesis has contributed to the knowledge of non-toxin disease factors for clostridial myonecrosis.