Fig 7. Graphic summary of the activity of pathogen-specific chitinases during pathogenesis.

Virulent C. perfringens type G strains are in close proximity to the intestinal mucus layer. The production of chitinases results in the breakdown of the intestinal mucus layer that could result in nutrient acquisition, the exposure of additional binding sites for the bacteria and the exposure of target sites for toxins or other virulence factors (or a simultaneous combination). This aids additional C. perfringens proliferation and bacterial colonization, key aspects of early pathogenesis.