Outbreak of abomasal bloat in goat kids due to Clostridium ventriculi and Clostridium perfringens type A

We described an outbreak of abomasal bloat in goat kids. Increased mortality with a history of abdominal bloating, dullness, and death was reported. Postmortem exanimation revealed dehydration, pale mucosa, ascites, abomasal tympanism and intestinal meteorism and congestion, and emphysematous abomasitis. Cytological evaluation from abomasum revealed gram-positive bacteria with a cuboid shape suggestive of Clostridium ventriculi, gram-positive bacilli suggestive of Clostridium perfringens, and ovoid basophilic yeasts. C. ventriculi and C. perfringens type A were confirmed by anaerobic culture and molecular tests. Histopathological findings revealed emphysematous abomasitis, necrosis of the gastric and intestinal walls, gastroenteritis, and intestinal thromboembolism. The possible associated factor was erroneous use of the milk replacer associated with inadequate kid management. Finally, the prophylactic measures suggested such as hygiene care, proper use of milk replacer, clostridial vaccination plan, and a good colostrum management were able to control the outbreak.(AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A forty-year survey (1978-2018) and a brief review of the literature / Clostridioses diagnosticadas em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma pesquisa de quarenta anos (1978-2018) e breve revisão da literatura

Clostridial diseases are important causes of livestock losses in the southern Rio Grande do Sul. Since 1978 annual surveys conducted at the "Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico" of the "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (LRD-UFPel) have shown that clostridial diseases represent 10.40% of the bacterial diseases diagnosed in cattle and 1.65% of all diseases diagnosis in cattle over a 40-year period. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of the clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from January 1978 to December 2018 at the LRD-UFPel in the hopes that it will constitute a useful guide for field veterinary practitioners and interested farmers. We assessed and review the necropsy protocols of 6,736 cattle; these necropsies were performed either by LRD-UFPel faculty or by field veterinary practitioners; 111 outbreaks (1.65%) were diagnosed as clostridial disease, distributed as follows: 35 outbreaks of tetanus, 34 of blackleg, 23 of bacillary hemoglobinuria, 11 of malignant edema (gas gangrene), and eight of botulism. Approximately 904, from a total of 42,480 cattle at risk, died in these outbreaks.(AU)

Clostridioses são doenças produzidas por alguma das espécies do gênero Clostridium e são importantes causas de perdas pecuárias no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisas anuais realizadas no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) desde 1978 demonstraram que as clostridioses representaram 11,1% das doenças bacterianas diagnosticadas em bovinos e 1,65% de todos os diagnósticos de doenças em bovinos ao longo de 40 anos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos das clostridioses diagnosticadas de janeiro de 1978 a dezembro de 2018, pelo LRD/UFPel com a intenção de que esse trabalho possa servir de guia útil para os veterinários de campo e fazendeiros interessados. Foram avaliados e revisados os protocolos de necropsia de 6.736 bovinos; essas necropsias foram realizadas pelo pessoal do LRD/UFPel ou por veterinários de campo. Cento e quatro (1,16%) casos foram diagnosticados como clostridioses, distribuídos da seguinte forma: 35 surtos de tétano, 34 de carbúnculo sintomático, 23 de hemoglobinúria bacilar, 11 de edema maligno (gangrena gasosa) e oito de botulismo. Aproximadamente 904, de um total de 42.480 bovinos sob-risco, morreram nesses surtos.(AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A forty-year survey (1978-2018) and a brief review of the literature / Clostridioses diagnosticadas em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma pesquisa de quarenta anos (1978-2018) e breve revisão da literatura

Clostridial diseases are important causes of livestock losses in the southern Rio Grande do Sul. Since 1978 annual surveys conducted at the "Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico" of the "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (LRD-UFPel) have shown that clostridial diseases represent 10.40% of the bacterial diseases diagnosed in cattle and 1.65% of all diseases diagnosis in cattle over a 40-year period. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of the clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from January 1978 to December 2018 at the LRD-UFPel in the hopes that it will constitute a useful guide for field veterinary practitioners and interested farmers. We assessed and review the necropsy protocols of 6,736 cattle; these necropsies were performed either by LRD-UFPel faculty or by field veterinary practitioners; 111 outbreaks (1.65%) were diagnosed as clostridial disease, distributed as follows: 35 outbreaks of tetanus, 34 of blackleg, 23 of bacillary hemoglobinuria, 11 of malignant edema (gas gangrene), and eight of botulism. Approximately 904, from a total of 42,480 cattle at risk, died in these outbreaks.(AU)

Clostridioses são doenças produzidas por alguma das espécies do gênero Clostridium e são importantes causas de perdas pecuárias no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisas anuais realizadas no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) desde 1978 demonstraram que as clostridioses representaram 11,1% das doenças bacterianas diagnosticadas em bovinos e 1,65% de todos os diagnósticos de doenças em bovinos ao longo de 40 anos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos das clostridioses diagnosticadas de janeiro de 1978 a dezembro de 2018, pelo LRD/UFPel com a intenção de que esse trabalho possa servir de guia útil para os veterinários de campo e fazendeiros interessados. Foram avaliados e revisados os protocolos de necropsia de 6.736 bovinos; essas necropsias foram realizadas pelo pessoal do LRD/UFPel ou por veterinários de campo. Cento e quatro (1,16%) casos foram diagnosticados como clostridioses, distribuídos da seguinte forma: 35 surtos de tétano, 34 de carbúnculo sintomático, 23 de hemoglobinúria bacilar, 11 de edema maligno (gangrena gasosa) e oito de botulismo. Aproximadamente 904, de um total de 42.480 bovinos sob-risco, morreram nesses surtos.(AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A forty-year survey (1978-2018) and a brief review of the literature

ABSTRACT: Clostridial diseases are important causes of livestock losses in the southern Rio Grande do Sul. Since 1978 annual surveys conducted at the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) have shown that clostridial diseases represent 10.40% of the bacterial diseases diagnosed in cattle and 1.65% of all diseases diagnosis in cattle over a 40-year period. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of the clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from January 1978 to December 2018 at the LRD-UFPel in the hopes that it will constitute a useful guide for field veterinary practitioners and interested farmers. We assessed and review the necropsy protocols of 6,736 cattle; these necropsies were performed either by LRD-UFPel faculty or by field veterinary practitioners; 111 outbreaks (1.65%) were diagnosed as clostridial disease, distributed as follows: 35 outbreaks of tetanus, 34 of blackleg, 23 of bacillary hemoglobinuria, 11 of malignant edema (gas gangrene), and eight of botulism. Approximately 904, from a total of 42,480 cattle at risk, died in these outbreaks.

RESUMO: Clostridioses são doenças produzidas por alguma das espécies do gênero Clostridium e são importantes causas de perdas pecuárias no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisas anuais realizadas no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) desde 1978 demonstraram que as clostridioses representaram 11,1% das doenças bacterianas diagnosticadas em bovinos e 1,65% de todos os diagnósticos de doenças em bovinos ao longo de 40 anos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos das clostridioses diagnosticadas de janeiro de 1978 a dezembro de 2018, pelo LRD/UFPel com a intenção de que esse trabalho possa servir de guia útil para os veterinários de campo e fazendeiros interessados. Foram avaliados e revisados os protocolos de necropsia de 6.736 bovinos; essas necropsias foram realizadas pelo pessoal do LRD/UFPel ou por veterinários de campo. Cento e quatro (1,16%) casos foram diagnosticados como clostridioses, distribuídos da seguinte forma: 35 surtos de tétano, 34 de cartbúnculo sintomático, 23 de hemoglobinúria bacilar, 11 de edema maligno (gangrena gasosa) e oito de botulismo. Aproximadamente 904, de um total de 42.480 bovinos sob-risco, morreram nesses surtos.

Clostridioses em ruminantes revisão / Clostridiosis in ruminants - review

As bactérias do gênero Clostridium são responsáveis pela produção de diversas toxinas causando diferentes enfermidades, de acordo com o efeito produzido no organismo animal. Os clostrídios são divididos em três grupos. O primeiro é o grupo neurotóxico (tétano e botulismo) o segundo grupo consiste de clostrídios com efeito histotóxico (carbúnculo sintomático, edema maligno e hemoglobinúria bacilar), e o terceiro é o enterotoxigênico (enterotoxemia). As enfermidades clostridiais são conhecidas a muito, ainda assim, causam conflito em seu entendimento e compreensão de condições às suas ocorrências. Embora acessíveis, as medidas de controle por vezes são negligenciadas causando prejuízos constantes ao setor. (AU)

The bacteria of the Clostridium genus are responsible for producing various toxins causing various illnesses, according to the effect produced in the animal organism. Clostridia are divided into three groups. The first is the neurotoxic group (tetanus and botulism); the second group consists of clostridia with histotóxico effect (blackleg, malignant edema and bacillary hemoglobinuria), and the third is the enterotoxigenic (enterotoxemia). The clostridial diseases are known to very still, cause conflict in their understanding and comprehension conditions to their occurrences. While affordable, the control measures are sometimes neglected causing constant damage to the sector. (AU)

Clostridioses em ruminantes – revisão / Clostridiosis in ruminants - review

As bactérias do gênero Clostridium são responsáveis pela produção de diversas toxinas causando diferentes enfermidades, de acordo com o efeito produzido no organismo animal. Os clostrídios são divididos em três grupos. O primeiro é o grupo neurotóxico (tétano e botulismo) o segundo grupo consiste de clostrídios com efeito histotóxico (carbúnculo sintomático, edema maligno e hemoglobinúria bacilar), e o terceiro é o enterotoxigênico (enterotoxemia). As enfermidades clostridiais são conhecidas a muito, ainda assim, causam conflito em seu entendimento e compreensão de condições às suas ocorrências. Embora acessíveis, as medidas de controle por vezes são negligenciadas causando prejuízos constantes ao setor.

The bacteria of the Clostridium genus are responsible for producing various toxins causing various illnesses, according to the effect produced in the animal organism. Clostridia are divided into three groups. The first is the neurotoxic group (tetanus and botulism); the second group consists of clostridia with histotóxico effect (blackleg, malignant edema and bacillary hemoglobinuria), and the third is the enterotoxigenic (enterotoxemia). The clostridial diseases are known to very still, cause conflict in their understanding and comprehension conditions to their occurrences. While affordable, the control measures are sometimes neglected causing constant damage to the sector.

Biotechnological potential of Clostridium butyricum bacteria

In response to demand from industry for microorganisms with auspicious biotechnological potential, a worldwide interest has developed in bacteria and fungi isolation. Microorganisms of interesting metabolic properties include non-pathogenic bacteria of the genus Clostridium, particularly C. acetobutylicum, C. butyricum and C. pasteurianum. A well-known property of C. butyricum is their ability to produce butyric acid, as well as effectively convert glycerol to 1,3-propanediol (38.2 g/L). A conversion rate of 0.66 mol 1,3-propanediol/mol of glycerol has been obtained. Results of the studies described in the present paper broaden our knowledge of characteristic features of C. butyricum specific isolates in terms of their phylogenetic affiliation, fermentation capacity and antibacterial properties.

PATÓGENOS BACTERIANOS ISOLADOS DE FEZES DE FELINOS DOMÉSTICOS, SEM SINAIS ENTÉRICOS, DE AMBIENTE URBANO E RURAL

Os patógenos entéricos são um grupo complexo de micro-organismos que causam doenças em animais e humanos. Os gatos domésticos podem ser considerados carreadores de patógenos entéricos com potencial zoonótico devido ao hábito de auto-limpeza, estabelecer amplo território, pelo instinto de caça e eliminar subclinicamente patógenos. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Clostridium spp. e Rhodococcus equi nas fezes de 200 gatos domésticos sem sinais entéricos, dos quais 100 pertenciam ao ambiente urbano e 100 à áreas rurais. Marcadores de virulência de E. coli, Clostridium spp. e R. equi também foram investigados. Do total de 200 amostras fecais avaliadas foram identificadas 175 (88%) linhagens de E. coli das quais 93 (93%) de gatos de ambiente urbano e 82 (82%) de gatos de área rural. Houve diferença significante (p=0,03) entre os grupos para frequência mais alta de isolamento de E. coli em gatos de ambiente urbano. Dentre os marcadores de virulência de E. coli foram identificados os genes eae (13%), escN (13%), stx1 (1%), stx2 (0,6%), aatA (0,6%) e ipaH (0,6%). Foram isoladas 86 (43%) linhagens de C. perfringens A, das quais em 21 (24%) foi detectado o gene cpb2, que codifica a toxina beta 2 e em uma (1%) linhagem foi identificado o gene cpe, responsável pela codificação da enterotoxina. Também foram identificados cinco (2%) isolados de C. difficile, dos quais um (20%) apresentou os genes tcdA e tcdB, codificadores das toxinas A e B, respectivamente. Foram isoladas ainda sete (4%) linhagens de R. equi, com diferença significante (p=0,01) para o isolamento do patógeno em animais de ambiente rural. Os isolados de R. equi foram classificados como avirulentos pois não foram detectados os genes vapA, vapB ou vapN, associados à virulência. No entanto, dentre a literatura consultada o presente estudo identificou pela primeira vez R. equi nas fezes de gatos, cujas linhagens foram submetidas a caracterização do perfil de virulência associado aos plasmídios. As principais coinfecções nos gatos de ambiente urbano foram observadas entre E. coli e C. perfringens A (26%), E. coli e C. perfringens A cpb2+ (8%) e E. coli eae+ /escN+ e C. perfringens A (5%), enquanto nos animais de ambiente rural foram E. coli e C. perfringens A (21%), E coli e C. perfringens A cpb2+(8%), E. coli e R. equi (4%) e entre E. coli e C. difficile tcdA-/tcdB-/cdtB- (3%). No entanto, não houve diferença estatística (p>0,05) entre a identificação de coinfecções e os ambientes amostrados. A presença de E. coli e Clostridium spp., contendo marcadores de virulência, e R. equi nas fezes de gatos domésticos, sem sinais entéricos, indica o potencial dessa espécie animal como reservatório de patógenos de veiculação fecal, para humanos, principalmente pelo crescente estreitamento da relação entre humanos e animais de companhia, particularmente gatos.

Enteric pathogens are a complex group of microorganisms associated to diseases in animals and humans. Domestic cats may be considered carriers of enteric pathogens with zoonotic potential, due to habit of self-cleaning, to establish wide territory of life, by hunting behavior, and subclinical elimination of pathogens through feces. The aim of present study was investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Clostridium spp., and Rhodococcus equi in 200 fecal samples of cats without enteric signs, of which 100 cats belonging to urban area and 100 to farm environment. Virulence markers from E. coli, Clostridium spp. and R. equi were also tested. Among 200 fecal samples were identified 175 (88%) E. coli strains, from these, 93 (93%) were from feces of cats breeding in urban areas, whereas 82 (82%) were from animals from farms. Statistical difference was observed (p=0.03) to higher identification of E. coli from cats breeding in urban area. Genes eae (13%), escN (13%), stx1 (1%), stx2 (0,6%), aatA (0,6%) e ipaH (0,6%) were indentified from virulent markers in E. coli strains. Eighty-six (43%) C. perfringens A were isolated. From these, cpb2 gene (which encodes beta 2 toxin) was detected in 21 (24%) isolates, and cpe gene (which encodes enterotoxin) was identified in another (1%) isolate. Five (2%) strains of C. difficile were also identified. From these, only one (20%) presented tcdA e tcdB genes, which encodes A and B toxins, respectively. Were isolated also uncommon presence of seven (4%) R. equi strains exclusively from cats of rural environment (p=0,01). All R. equi were characterized as avirulent, because none isolate were detected with vapA, vapB, and vapN genes, associated to virulence. However, to the best of our knowledge, the present study report by first time isolation of R. equi from feces of cats, where virulence plasmid profile was assessed. The main co-infection observed between microorganism identified in cats from urban area were represented by: E. coli and C. perfringens A (26%); E coli and C. perfringens A cpb2+ (8%); E. coli eae+ /escN+ and C. perfringens A (5%). Whereas in animals from farms co-infections were comprised by: E. coli and C. perfringens A (21%), E coli and C. perfringens A cpb2+ (8%), E. coli and R. equi (4%), and E. coli and C. difficile tcdA-/tcdB-/cdtB-. However, no statistical association (p>0.05) was observed to co-infections and different environments of cats. The identification of E. coli and Clostridium sp. (containing virulent markers) and R. equi in normal feces of healthy cats from urban and farm areas, highlight the potential of this domestic species as reservoir of enteric pathogens to humans, because increase of close contact of owners and their companion animals, particularly cats

Clostridial toxins: potent poisons, potent medicines

Clostridium is an anaerobic bacterial genus. The clostridia produce more protein toxins than any other bacterial genus and are a rich reservoir of toxins for research and medicinal uses. Clostridia are widely spread in the environment: soil, dust and water, presenting more than 120 described species, although few can cause diseases. Diseases can grossly be divided into neurotropic disorders (nervous system is primarily affected), enterotoxemias (affecting intestinal tract and parenchymatous organs), and gas gangrene (myonecrosis with toxemia). Undoubtedly the most widely recognized infection due to anaerobes was clostridial myonecrosis, but recently interest has arisen for the role of clostridia in intestinal diseases. This report describes the most important species, the diseases caused by them, and their occurrence in Brazil, focusing on cattle raising.