Clostridium perfringens Types A and D Involved in Peracute Deaths in Goats Kept in Cholistan Ecosystem During Winter Season

Abstract

Enterotoxemia is a severe and peracute disease caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) rendering high mortality leading to huge economic losses, especially in small ruminants. The bacterium induces peracute death in animals based on the rapid production of different lethal toxins. Mortality occurred three private herds of two breeds, i.e., Makhi Cheeni and Beetal, and one non-descriptive (Teddy) herds reared in the desert area of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. At necropsy, tissue samples for histopathology and intestinal contents for bacterial isolation and culture were collected. Following the standard procedure, tissue slides were prepared. Multiplex PCR was used to identify toxinotypes using specific primers. Morbidity, mortality, and case fatality in Makhi Cheeni, Beetal, and Teddy goats caused by enterotoxemia were 87.58, 75.81, and 76.11%, respectively. Based on toxinotypes in the present outbreaks, C. perfringens type A (cpα = 20.7%; cpα + cpβ2 = 11.2%) and C. perfringens type D (cpα + cpβ2 + etx = 47.7%; cpα + etx = 20.7%) were detected. Deaths due to C. perfringens type D (68.10%) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared with deaths by C. perfringens type A (34.90%). Petechiation of serosal surfaces, hemorrhage of intestines, lungs, and liver were seen. Kidneys were soft, and under the microscope, tubules were studded with erythrocytes. There was stunting and fusion in the intestinal villi. From this study, we concluded that endotoxemia can occur in any season; thus, a proper vaccination schedule must be followed for the protection of small ruminants' health.

Evaluation of Hematological, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Profile in Cattle Infected with Brucellosis in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

“…Studies have indicated that free radicals affect steroidogenesis, apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, and folliculogenesis leading to disorders in embryo preimplantation and infertility in animals [43][44][45]. Therefore, estimation of blood bio-chemistry, oxidative stress, and endogenous antioxidants are considered critical factors in initiating different molecular mechanisms during infectious diseases [46]. Scanty information is available in the published literature regarding the hematological, oxidative stress, and antioxidant profile in brucellosis-infected cattle.…”

Animal Model Studies, Antibiotic Resistance and Toxin Gene Profile of NE Reproducing Clostridium perfringens Type A and Type G Strains Isolated from Commercial Poultry Farms in China

“…Studies from other countries have reported a 70% detection rate for C. perfringens netB gene in diseased chicken [ 17 ]. There is much difference in the isolation rate of C. perfringens types across different regions, i.e., there are variations in the prevalence rates of C. perfringens [ 36 ]; likewise, type A is the predominant type in many countries including China, Pakistan etc. [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 37 , 38 ].…”

Effects of three different probiotics of Tibetan sheep origin and their complex probiotics on intestinal damage, immunity, and immune signaling pathways of mice infected with Clostridium perfringens type C

“…C. perfringens can produce more than ten types of toxins. Among them, alpha toxins and beta toxins can cause damage to the intestinal villus epithelium and endothelial cells, destroy the structural integrity of the cell membrane, and change the permeability of the intestinal wall to induce enteritis; after mucosal damage some toxins are absorbed into the blood circulation and affect other organs distal to the host ( Uzal and McClane, 2011 ; Hussain et al, 2022 ). In past livestock farming, C. perfringens infections were often prevented by adding antibiotics to the feed.…”