Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens netE and netF toxin genes in the feces of dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundRecently, novel pore‐forming toxin genes designated netE and netF were identified in a Clostridium perfringens type A strain isolated from a dog with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea.ObjectivesPore‐forming toxins could play an important role in the disease pattern of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) in dogs. Thus, we aimed to determine the prevalence of C. perfringens genes encoding for netE and netF in the feces of dogs with AHDS and to evaluate any association between selected clinical variables and the presence of these toxin genes.AnimalsIn total, 174 dogs were included in the study.MethodsFecal samples of all dogs were tested by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for netE and netF genes. Time to recovery, hospitalization time, and selected laboratory variables were compared between dogs with AHDS that were positive or negative for the toxin genes.ResultsA significant difference was found among the 3 groups in the prevalence of the pore‐forming toxin genes netE and netF: dogs with AHDS: 26 of 54 (48.1%); dogs with canine parvovirus (CPV) infection: 0 of 54 (0%); and healthy dogs: 8 of 66 (12.1%; P < .001). In dogs with AHDS, no significant difference was detected in any variables evaluated between netE‐positive and netF‐positive and netE‐negative and netF‐negative dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe prevalence of C. perfringens encoding for netE and netF is significantly higher in dogs with AHDS compared to control dogs. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether these toxins are an inciting cause for AHDS in dogs.

Effect of amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid on clinical scores, intestinal microbiome, and amoxicillin‐resistant Escherichia coli in dogs with uncomplicated acute diarrhea

“…In previous studies, a higher abundance of C. perfringens , encoding for NetF toxin gene was detected in dogs AHDS, 49,50 but C. perfringens encoding for NetF toxin gene decreased within a few days even without the use of antibiotics 51 . A recent paper showed a prevalence of 48.1% in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea whereas only 12.1% of the healthy dogs carried the NetF gene 52 …”

Metronidazole treatment of acute diarrhea in dogs: A randomized double blinded placebo‐controlled clinical trial

“…Clostridium perfringens is likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diarrheal syndromes in dogs . Both C. perfringens enterotoxin and cpe are more commonly detected in dogs with diarrhea than in non‐diarrheic dogs .…”

“…Similarly, the cpb2 gene recently was identified in a larger number of C. perfringens isolates from diarrheic dogs as compared to non‐diarrheic dogs . Additional C. perfringens genes and associated toxins also seem to be involved in specific forms of disease such as acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome . Although C. perfringens and its toxins often are associated with acute diarrhea, it is still unclear if this bacteria is a cause or consequence of the intestinal disease .…”

“…Many veterinarians prescribe metronidazole, a nitroimidazole antibiotic, for the treatment of acute diarrhea in dogs . It has a broad spectrum of activity against anaerobic bacteria including potential enteric pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens , and antiprotozoal activity is observed at higher dosages . Beyond its antimicrobial activity, metronidazole possesses immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties that further add to its appeal for treating intestinal disorders .…”

Surveillance of Echinococcus tapeworm in coyotes and domestic dogs in Winnipeg, Manitoba

“…Fecal samples were processed immediately upon arrival and total nucleic acid extraction was performed using a KingFisher™ Flex Magnetic Particle Processor (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Vantaa, Finland) with proprietary lysis buffer and magnetic glass particles [Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, United States (US)]. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were carried out using total nucleic acid purified from stool samples on a Roche LightCycler 480™ instrument using the manufacturer recommended cycling protocols and PCR reagents (23). Crossing points were calculated using the second derivative maximum-method analysis module with the high-sensitivity algorithm.…”