Antibacterial activity and mechanism analysis of deoxycholic acid against Clostridium perfringens

Background Deoxycholic acid (DCA), a gut microbiota-derived secondary metabolite, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly against Clostridium perfringens ( C. perfringens ). However, its precise mechanistic action remains unclear. Objective In this study, we examined the inhibitory mechanism of DCA against C. perfringens through in vitro growth inhibition assays coupled with transcriptomic analysis. Result The study results indicate that DCA can effectively inhibit the formation of C. perfringens biofilms, disrupt their cell walls, increase cell membrane permeability, and cause nucleic acid leakage. Transcriptome analysis revealed that DCA can mediate its oxidative damage by up-regulating the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in C. perfringens and down-regulating antioxidant activity, peroxidase activity, and oxidoreductase activity. This study provides insights into the antimicrobial activity of DCA and its mechanisms, laying a theoretical foundation for its development as a novel antimicrobial agent or feed additive.