Antibacterial activity and mechanism analysis of deoxycholic acid against Clostridium perfringens

Deoxycholic acid (DCA), a gut microbiota-derived secondary metabolite, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly against Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens). However, its specific antibacterial mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the antibacterial activity and mechanism of DCA against C. perfringens, this study employed in vitro experiments combined with transcriptomic analysis to explore the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanism of DCA on C. perfringens. The 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 up-regulating the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in C. perfringens and down-regulating antioxidant activity, peroxidase activity, and oxidoreductase activity, suggesting its potential antibacterial mechanism. 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.