Thus, it should be noted that the detection method of C. perfringens type F regardless of PLC activity could be necessary for samples collected from not only the environment but also humans with gastroenteritis because PLC-negative C. perfringens type F was isolated from food poisoning patients (6, 7), and the isolates in the present study may possess a potential for association with gastroenteritis. This evidence concerns the gene HSPG2 and gastroenteritis.