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Cerri FM, Basso RM, Pereira WAB, Silveira JMDS, Ferreira EDO, Haisi A, Araújo Júnior JP, Arroyo LG, de Castro YG, Silva ROS, Oliveira-Filho JPD, Borges AS. Fecal shedding of Clostridioides difficile in calves in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Anaerobe 2024; 88:102861. [PMID: 38729514 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2024.102861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the fecal shedding of C. difficile in calves on farms in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fecal samples (n = 300) were collected from diarrheic (n = 78) and nondiarrheic (n = 222) calves less than 60 days of age from 20 farms. Fecal samples were inoculated into enrichment broth supplemented with taurocholate and cultured under anaerobic conditions. Colonies suspected to be C. difficile were harvested for DNA extraction and then multiplex PCR for the detection of genes encoding toxins A and B and binary toxins. All toxigenic isolates were ribotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, and five selected strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing to determine their sequence type. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION C. difficile was isolated from 29.3 % (88/300) of the samples. All toxigenic isolates (17/88, 19.3 %) were classified as ribotypes RT046 (13/17-79.47 %, A+B+ CDT-) and RT126 (4/17 = 20.53 %, A+B+ CDT+). The sequenced strains from RT046 were classified as ST35 (Clade 1), while those from RT126 were classified as ST11 (Clade 5). No associations between the epidemiological factors in any of the groups and C. difficile isolation were observed. Most of the toxigenic isolates (16/17 = 94.41 %) were classified as multidrug-resistant. Calves can be an important source of toxigenic C. difficile strains, including multidrug-resistant isolates from ribotypes commonly observed in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício Moreira Cerri
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta Martins Basso
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia Meireles da Silva Silveira
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Paulo de Góes Institute of Microbiology (IMPG), Department of Medical Microbiology, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliane de Oliveira Ferreira
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Paulo de Góes Institute of Microbiology (IMPG), Department of Medical Microbiology, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amanda Haisi
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biotechnology (IBTEC), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luis G Arroyo
- University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, Department of Clinical Studies, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yasmin Gonçalves de Castro
- Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), School of Veterinary Medicine (EV), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - José Paes de Oliveira-Filho
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Secorun Borges
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Hain‐Saunders N, Knight DR, Bruce M, Riley TV. Clostridioides difficile
infection and One Health: An Equine Perspective. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:985-997. [PMID: 35001483 PMCID: PMC9304292 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile presents a significant health risk to humans and animals. The complexity of the bacterial–host interaction affecting pathogenesis and disease development creates an ongoing challenge for epidemiological studies, control strategies and prevention planning. The recent emergence of human disease caused by strains of C. difficile found in animals adds to mounting evidence that C. difficile infection (CDI) may be a zoonosis. In equine populations, C. difficile is a known cause of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal inflammation, with considerable mortality and morbidity. This has a significant impact on both the well‐being of the animal and, in the case of performance and production animals, it may have an adverse economic impact on relevant industries. While C. difficile is regularly isolated from horses, many questions remain regarding the impact of asymptomatic carriage as well as optimization of diagnosis, testing and treatment. This review provides an overview of our understanding of equine CDI while also identifying knowledge gaps and the need for a holistic One Health approach to a complicated issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasza Hain‐Saunders
- Biosecurity and One Health Research Centre, Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | - Daniel R. Knight
- Biosecurity and One Health Research Centre, Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Nedlands 6009 WA Australia
| | - Mieghan Bruce
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | - Thomas V. Riley
- Biosecurity and One Health Research Centre, Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Nedlands 6009 WA Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia Australia
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Nedlands Western Australia Australia
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3
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Uzal FA, Arroyo LG, Navarro MA, Gomez DE, Asín J, Henderson E. Bacterial and viral enterocolitis in horses: a review. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:354-375. [PMID: 34763560 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211057469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteritis, colitis, and enterocolitis are considered some of the most common causes of disease and death in horses. Determining the etiology of these conditions is challenging, among other reasons because different causes produce similar clinical signs and lesions, and also because some agents of colitis can be present in the intestine of normal animals. We review here the main bacterial and viral causes of enterocolitis of horses, including Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens type A NetF-positive, C. perfringens type C, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium piliforme, Paeniclostridium sordellii, other clostridia, Rhodococcus equi, Neorickettsia risticii, Lawsonia intracellularis, equine rotavirus, and equine coronavirus. Diarrhea and colic are the hallmark clinical signs of colitis and enterocolitis, and the majority of these conditions are characterized by necrotizing changes in the mucosa of the small intestine, colon, cecum, or in a combination of these organs. The presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical, gross, and microscopic findings, and confirmed by detection of some of the agents and/or their toxins in the intestinal content or feces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mauricio A Navarro
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA.,Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Diego E Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Javier Asín
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA
| | - Eileen Henderson
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA
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4
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Tsai CS, Hung YP, Lee JC, Syue LS, Hsueh PR, Ko WC. Clostridioides difficile infection: an emerging zoonosis? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1543-1552. [PMID: 34383624 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1967746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and one of the common infections in healthcare facilities. In recent decades, there has been an emerging threat of community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI). Environmental transmission of C. difficile in the community setting has become a major concern, and animals are an important reservoir for C. difficile causing human diseases. AREAS COVERED In this article, the molecular epidemiology of C. difficile in animals and recent evidences of zoonotic transfer to humans are reviewed based on an electronic search in the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar. EXPERT OPINION C. difficile can be found in stool from diarrheal dogs and cats; therefore, household pets could be a potential source. C. difficile will threaten human health because hypervirulent C. difficile ribotype 078 strains have been found in retail chickens, pig farms, and slaughterhouses. Risk factors for fecal C. difficile carriage in animals include young age, dietary changes, and antibiotic abuse in domestic animals. With the advent of whole genome sequencing techniques, there will be more solid evidence indicating zoonotic transfer of C. difficile from animals to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Yunlin, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Pin Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Chieh Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Shan Syue
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Weese JS, Slovis N, Rousseau J. Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile in neonatal foals and mares at a referral hospital. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1140-1146. [PMID: 33656757 PMCID: PMC7995440 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile is important for the development and assessment of infection prevention and control practices, as well as surveillance methods and interpretation of diagnostic testing results. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to longitudinally evaluate C. difficile shedding in neonatal foals and mares admitted to a referral hospital neonatal intensive care unit. ANIMALS Foals admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, along with their dams. METHODS Rectal swabs were collected from mares and foals at admission, and then approximately every 3 days, when possible. Selective culture for C. difficile was performed and isolates were characterized by toxin gene PCR and ribotyping. RESULTS Clostridium difficile was isolated from 103/409 (25%) samples; 65/208 (31%) from foals and 38/201 (19%) from mares. Cumulatively, C. difficile was isolated from at least 1 sample from 50/113 (44%) foals and 30/97 (31%) mares. No association was found between hospitalization day and isolation of C. difficile (P = .13). Twenty-three different ribotypes were identified, with ribotype 078 predominating. Fifteen foals had 2 positive samples during hospitalization. In only 6/15 (40%) foals was the same strain identified both times (5 ribotype 078 and 1 ribotype 012). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Clostridium difficile is an important pathogen in adult horses and foals, and our findings highlight the complexity surrounding the epidemiology of this opportunistic pathogen. It can be found commonly, transiently, and cluster within a facility in the absence of identifiable disease occurrences or clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Slovis
- McGee Medical Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Joyce Rousseau
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Abstract
Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is an important cause of disease in people, a variably important cause of disease in some animal species, and an apparently harmless commensal in others. Regardless of whether it is a known pathogen in a particular species, it can also be found in healthy individuals, sometimes at high prevalences and typically with higher rates of carriage in young individuals. As it is investigated in more animal species, it is apparent that this bacterium is widely disseminated in a diverse range of domestic and wild animal species. Although it can be found in most species in which investigations have been performed, there are pronounced intra- and inter-species differences in prevalence and clinical relevance. A wide range of strains can be identified, some that appear to be animal associated and others that are found in humans and animals. A large percentage of strains that cause disease in people can at least sporadically be found in animals. It is a potentially important zoonotic pathogen, but there is limited direct evidence of animal-human transmission. Although C. difficile has been studied extensively over the past few decades, it remains an enigmatic organism in many ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology and Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Weese)
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7
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Presence of Clostridium difficile in poultry and poultry meat in Egypt. Anaerobe 2018; 51:21-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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8
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Oliver-Espinosa O. Foal Diarrhea: Established and Postulated Causes, Prevention, Diagnostics, and Treatments. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2018; 34:55-68. [PMID: 29395727 PMCID: PMC7134762 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diarrhea is one of the most important diseases in young foals and may occur in more than half of foals until weaning age. Several infectious and noninfectious underlying causes have been implicated but scientific evidence of pathogenesis is evolving. It is important to investigate all known potential causes and identify infectious agents to avoid outbreaks, evaluate the level of systemic compromise, and establish adequate therapy. It is crucial to differentiate foals that can be managed in field conditions from those that should be sent to a referral center. This article reviews these aspects and recent developments in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olimpo Oliver-Espinosa
- Department of Animal Health, National University of Colombia, Carrera 45 # 26-85, Edif. Uriel Gutiérrez, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
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9
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Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance in Clostridium difficile With Special Reference to the Horse. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-016-0029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Dunkel B, Johns IC. Antimicrobial use in critically ill horses. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2015; 25:89-100. [PMID: 25582245 DOI: 10.1111/vec.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discuss controversies surrounding antimicrobial use in critically ill horses. DATA SOURCES PubMed searches from 1970-present for terms including, but not limited to: "horse," "foal," "antimicrobial," "prophylaxis," "infection," "surgery," "sepsis," and "antimicrobial resistance." HUMAN DATA SYNTHESIS Increasing bacterial antimicrobial resistance has changed first-line antimicrobial choices and prompted shortening of the duration of prophylactic and therapeutic treatment. The need to decrease bacterial resistance development to critically important antimicrobials has been highlighted. VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS Veterinary medicine has followed a similar trend but often without a high-level evidence. Common dilemmas include diseases in which the theoretically most effective drug is a reserved antimicrobial, the inability to differentiate infectious from noninfectious disease, the duration and necessity of prophylactic antimicrobials and use of antimicrobials in primary gastrointestinal disease. These problems are illustrated using examples of purulent infections, neonatal sepsis, colic surgery, and treatment of colitis. Although enrofloxacin, cephalosporins, and doxycycline, in contrast to gentamicin, reach therapeutic concentrations within the lungs of healthy horses, the first two should not be used as first line treatment due to their reserved status. Due to the high risk of bacterial sepsis, antimicrobial treatment remains indispensable in compromised neonatal foals but shortening the length of antimicrobial treatment might be prudent. One prospective randomized study demonstrated no difference between 3 and 5 days of perioperative antimicrobial treatment in colic surgery but shorter durations were not evaluated. High-level evidence to recommend antimicrobial treatment of adult horses with undifferentiated diarrhea does not exist. CONCLUSIONS Few evidence-based recommendations can be made. Commonly used antimicrobial combinations remain the mainstay for treating purulent infections. Antimicrobial treatment for compromised foals should not extend beyond recovery. Continuation of prophylactic antimicrobials >3 days is likely unnecessary after colic surgery; shorter durations might be equally effective. Antimicrobial prophylaxis in adult horses with diarrhea is unlikely to be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Dunkel
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertforshire, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
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11
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Diab S, Songer G, Uzal F. Clostridium difficile infection in horses: A review. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:42-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Diab SS, Rodriguez-Bertos A, Uzal FA. Pathology and Diagnostic Criteria ofClostridium difficileEnteric Infection in Horses. Vet Pathol 2013; 50:1028-36. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985813489039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. S. Diab
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - A. Rodriguez-Bertos
- Department of Surgery and Internal Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - F. A. Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
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13
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Clostridium difficile in foods and animals: history and measures to reduce exposure. Anim Health Res Rev 2013; 14:11-29. [PMID: 23324529 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252312000229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many articles have summarized the changing epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in humans, but the emerging presence of C. difficile in foods and animals and possible measures to reduce human exposure to this important pathogen have been infrequently addressed. CDIs have traditionally been assumed to be restricted to health-care settings. However, recent molecular studies indicate that this is no longer the case; animals and foods might be involved in the changing epidemiology of CDIs in humans; and genome sequencing is disproving person-to-person transmission in hospitals. Although zoonotic and foodborne transmission have not been confirmed, it is evident that susceptible people can be inadvertently exposed to C. difficile from foods, animals, or their environment. Strains of epidemic clones present in humans are common in companion and food animals, raw meats, poultry products, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods, including salads. In order to develop science-based prevention strategies, it is critical to understand how C. difficile reaches foods and humans. This review contextualizes the current understanding of CDIs in humans, animals, and foods. Based on available information, we propose a list of educational measures that could reduce the exposure of susceptible people to C. difficile. Enhanced educational efforts and behavior change targeting medical and non-medical personnel are needed.
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14
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Artiushin S, Timoney JF, Fettinger M, Fallon L, Rathgeber R. Immunisation of mares with binding domains of toxins A and B of Clostridium difficile elicits serum and colostral antibodies that block toxin binding. Equine Vet J 2012. [PMID: 23206274 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Enterocolitis caused by Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a serious, sometimes fatal, disease of neonatal foals and older horses. Toxins A and B (TcdA and B) produced by C. difficile are important virulence factors. Immunisation of mares with receptor binding domains of toxins may prevent or reduce the severity of C. difficile colitis in foals. OBJECTIVES To determine whether antibodies generated in the pregnant mare to the binding regions of TcdA and B will neutralise TcdA and B toxicity. METHODS Sequences encoding the binding domains of each toxin were isolated by PCR amplification from C. difficile JF09, a foal isolate, and cloned and expressed into pET15b. Thirteen mares were immunised twice 2 weeks apart with 200 μg of each recombinant protein with Quil A 2 months prior to foaling. Antibodies were assayed in the sera and colostrum by ELISA and for ability to block the cytopathic activity of each of toxin for equine endothelial cells. RESULTS All mares produced strong serum antibody responses to the binding domain of each toxin. A high level of toxin-specific antibodies was also detected in colostrum and in most foal sera 2 days after suckling. Diluted sera and colostrum premixed with either TcdA or B had no effect on the morphology of equine endothelial cells. Application of the same concentration of toxins alone or premixed with nonimmune mare/foal serum or colostrum led to an unambiguous cytopathic effect that ranged from complete degradation to varying degrees of cell rounding. CONCLUSIONS Immunisation of pregnant mares with recombinant binding domains of TcdA and B of C. difficile resulted in the production of specific antibodies in serum and colostrum that blocked the cytopathic activity of toxins. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Results of studies support the feasibility of a prepartum vaccine against C. difficile enterocolitis in foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Artiushin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, USA
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15
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Antitoxic activity of serum and colostrum antibodies induced by prepartum immunization of mares with binding domains of Toxin A and B of Clostridium difficile. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.08.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Schoster A, Arroyo LG, Staempfli HR, Shewen PE, Weese JS. Presence and molecular characterization of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens in intestinal compartments of healthy horses. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:94. [PMID: 22748233 PMCID: PMC3514389 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens are commonly associated with colitis in equids, but healthy carriers exist. Scarce information is available on the prevalence of Clostridium spp. in gastrointestinal compartments other than faeces in healthy horses, and it is unknown whether faecal samples are representative of proximal compartments. The objectives were to investigate the prevalence of C. difficile and C. perfringens in different intestinal compartments of healthy adult horses and to determine whether faecal samples are representative of colonization in proximal sites and overall carrier status. Results Toxigenic C. difficile was isolated from 14/135 (10.3%) samples from 8/15 (53.3%) horses. Between zero and three sites were positive per horse, and multiple sites were positive in four horses. Isolates were recovered from duodenum, jejunum, ileum, right dorsal colon, small colon and rectum. When multiple compartments were positive in a single horse, two different C. difficile ribotypes were always present. Clostridium perfringens Type A (CPE, β2 toxin gene negative) was recovered from the left ventral colon of one horse (0.74%, 1/135 samples). Agreement between faeces and overall C. difficile carrier status was good. Conclusions Clostridium difficile can be found in different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy horses, and multiple strains can be present in an individual horse. The prevalence of C. perfringens in healthy adult hoses was low, consistent with previous reports. Faecal samples were representative for presence of C. difficile in proximal compartments in 5/8 horses (63%) but were not representative for the specific strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Schoster
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
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17
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Abstract
Diarrhoea is among the most common clinical complaints in foals. Aetiologies, diagnostic testing and recommended interventions for specific causes of enterocolitis are summarised. Many mild to moderately affected foals can be managed in an ambulatory setting, while others will benefit from more intensive care at a referral centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mallicote
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - A M House
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - L C Sanchez
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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18
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Abstract
Models of Clostridium difficile infection (C. difficile) have been used extensively for Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) research. The hamster model of C. difficile infection has been most extensively employed for the study of C. difficile and this has been used in many different areas of research, including the induction of C. difficile, the testing of new treatments, population dynamics and characterization of virulence. Investigations using in vitro models for C. difficile introduced the concept of colonization resistance, evaluated the role of antibiotics in C. difficile development, explored population dynamics and have been useful in the evaluation of C. difficile treatments. Experiments using models have major advantages over clinical studies and have been indispensible in furthering C. difficile research. It is important for future study programs to carefully consider the approach to use and therefore be better placed to inform the design and interpretation of clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Best
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Microbiology Department; Old Medical School; Leeds General Infirmary; Leeds, UK,Correspondence to: Emma L. Best,
| | - Jane Freeman
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Microbiology Department; Old Medical School; Leeds General Infirmary; Leeds, UK
| | - Mark H. Wilcox
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Microbiology Department; Old Medical School; Leeds General Infirmary; Leeds, UK,University of Leeds; Leeds, UK
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Squire MM, Riley TV. Clostridium difficile infection in humans and piglets: a 'One Health' opportunity. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2012; 365:299-314. [PMID: 22695920 DOI: 10.1007/82_2012_237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile causes infectious diarrhoea in humans and animals. It has been found in both diarrhoeal and non-diarrhoeal pigs, horses and cattle, suggesting a potential reservoir for human insection, and in 20-40 % of meat products in Canada and the USA, suggesting the possibility, albeit not proven, of food-borne transmission. Although it is not yet completely clear, it is likely that excessive antimicrobial exposure is driving the establishment of C. difficile in animals, in a manner analogous to human infection, rather than the organism just being normal flora of the animal gastrointestinal tract. PCR ribotype 078 is the most common ribotype of C. difficile found in pigs (83 % in one study in the USA) and cattle (up to 100 %) and this ribotype is now the third most common ribotype of C. difficile found in human infection in Europe. Human and pig strains of C. difficile are genetically identical in Europe confirming that a zoonosis exists. Rates of community-acquired C. difficile infection (CDI) are increasing world wide, a fact that sits well with the notion that animals are a reservoir for human infection. Thus, there are three problems that require resolution: a human health issue, an animal health issue and the factor common to both these problems, environmental contamination. To successfully deal with these recent changes in the epidemiology of CDI will require a 'one health' approach involving human health physicians, veterinarians and environmental scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Squire
- Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia,
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20
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Clostridium difficile Infection in Humans and Piglets: A ‘One Health’ Opportunity. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-45792-4_237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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21
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Keessen E, Gaastra W, Lipman L. Clostridium difficile infection in humans and animals, differences and similarities. Vet Microbiol 2011; 153:205-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Revised: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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22
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McNamara SE, Abdujamilova N, Somsel P, Gordoncillo MJ, DeDecker JM, Bartlett PC. Carriage of Clostridium difficile and other enteric pathogens among a 4-H avocational cohort. Zoonoses Public Health 2011; 58:192-9. [PMID: 20529211 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2010.01338.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile (CD), Salmonella, Campylobacter and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are major causes of morbidity in a variety of enteric diseases in humans and animals, but subclinical carriage in both is probably more common than are clinical cases. Little is known regarding the prevalence of these pathogens in animals raised for exhibit at Michigan county fairs or the frequency with which Michigan citizens raising these animals may have been subclinically colonized. To address these issues, 361 fecal specimens from 158 humans and 203 of their farm animals were cultured for CD, Salmonella and Campylobacter. Additionally, 50 people and their cattle were tested for EHEC. No EHEC, Salmonella or Campylobacter were detected. However, 16 specimens (4.4%) were positive for CD: 13 humans, two horses and one pig. None of the farm animal specimens submitted by any of the 13 CD-positive humans were positive for CD. Strain characterization [toxinotype, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)] demonstrated that the human CD isolates were similar to what has been reported previously in the general US population. We conclude that horses and farm animals (cattle, sheep, goats and swine) at 1-2 months before market weight showed no evidence of wide-spread carriage of the common enteric pathogens, including the recently reported CD toxinotype V. These results provide no support to the hypothesis that 4-H members or others visiting county fair animal husbandry projects in these counties may be at increased risk for acquisition of CD, Salmonella, Campylobacter or EHEC from animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E McNamara
- Infectious Diseases Division, Bureau of Laboratories, Michigan Department of Community Health, Lansing, MI, USA
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Medina-Torres CE, Weese JS, Staempfli HR. Prevalence of Clostridium difficile in horses. Vet Microbiol 2011; 152:212-5. [PMID: 21570780 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fecal samples were collected to establish the apparent prevalence of Clostridium difficile shedding in Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses housed at 4 racetracks and 2 breeding facilities, and in horses admitted to a referral large animal clinic. Forty-one (7.59%) of 540 racetrack horses, seven (5.83%) of 120 breeding farm horses, and four (4.88%) out of 82 horses admitted to the referral clinic were culture-positive for C. difficile. An overall fecal culture prevalence of 7.01% for C. difficile was identified in 742 fecal samples. PCR-ribotyping and toxin gene identification was performed and seventeen 17 PCR-ribotypes were identified among the 52 C. difficile isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Medina-Torres
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Medina-Torres C, Weese J, Staempfli H. Validation of a Commercial Enzyme Immunoassay for Detection of Clostridium difficile Toxins in Feces of Horses with Acute Diarrhea. J Vet Intern Med 2010; 24:628-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.00506.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Dawson LF, Valiente E, Wren BW. Clostridium difficile—A continually evolving and problematic pathogen. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2009; 9:1410-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2009.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2009] [Revised: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
The development of diarrhea among hospitalized horses is a major concern for equine veterinary hospitals and referral centers. It is a potential complication of hospitalization for surgical or medical procedures and can contribute to the morbidity and mortality of horses with gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal diseases. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of acute diarrhea or colitis, and in most cases, the specific etiologic agent is presumptive or undetermined. This article discusses the major etiologic agents of diarrhea in hospitalized horses, considers factors that place hospitalized horses at special risk for diarrhea, and examines several infectious colitis outbreaks that have occurred at veterinary referral centers.
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27
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Songer JG, Trinh HT, Dial SM, Brazier JS, Glock RD. Equine colitis X associated with infection by Clostridium difficile NAP1/027. J Vet Diagn Invest 2009; 21:377-80. [PMID: 19407094 DOI: 10.1177/104063870902100314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 14-year-old Quarter Horse with a 48-hr history of colic was euthanized after failure to respond to treatment. At necropsy, cecal and colonic mucosae were congested throughout, and there was segmental edema and significant thickening of the intestinal wall. Excessive numbers of mononuclear cells were found in mucosal lamina propria. Submucosal hemorrhage was diffuse and extensive, and Clostridium difficile toxins A and B were detected. Large numbers of C. difficile were isolated, and genetic characterization revealed them to be North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type 1, polymerase chain reaction ribotype 027, and toxinotype III. Genes for the binary toxin were present, and toxin negative-regulator tcdC contained an 18-bp deletion. This genotype comprises the current human "epidemic strain," which is associated with human C. difficile-associated disease of greater than historical severity. The diagnosis was peracute typhlocolitis, with lesions and history typical of those attributed to colitis X.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Glenn Songer
- Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, 1117 East Lowell Street, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Clostridium difficile in broiler chickens sold at market places in Zimbabwe and their antimicrobial susceptibility. Int J Food Microbiol 2008; 124:268-70. [PMID: 18448182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2008.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2007] [Revised: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 03/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile has been shown to be a nosocomial pathogen associated with diarrhoea and pseudomembranous colitis in hospitalised patients and the infection is believed to be acquired nosocomially. Community-acquired C. difficile-associated diarrhoea has also been reported. Recent studies have shown the occurrence of C. difficile in food animals which may act as a source of infection to humans. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of C. difficile in broiler chickens sold at market places in an urban area in Zimbabwe. Faeces of broiler chickens were collected from the cages at the market places and soils were collected from areas around the market places. The chicken faeces and soil samples were cultured for C. difficile. The C. difficile isolates were tested for toxins A or B production as well as for their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs. C. difficile was isolated from 29.0% of 100 chicken faeces samples and 22.0% of 100 soil samples. Some of the C. difficile isolates from chickens (89.7%) and soils (95.5%) were toxigenic. All the isolates were susceptible to metronidazole, vancomycin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol and tetracycline. Over 70% of the isolates were susceptible to erythromycin, co-trimoxazole and ampicillin. They were all resistant to cefotaxime, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and nalidixic acid. The results of the present study suggest that broiler chickens sold at market places in the urban area are an important source of C. difficile, which may infect humans through consumption of chicken meat.
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Abstract
Enteritis and colitis remain challenging and life-threatening diseases despite many recent advances. Successful treatment is largely dependent on early recognition and directed therapy, which is facilitated by obtaining a complete history and physical examination. A number of new therapies and methods of monitoring critically ill patients have become integral components of treatment success. The critical monitoring of equine foals and adults continues to be an exciting and emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darien J Feary
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Oliver OE, Stämpfli H. Acute diarrhea in the adult horse: case example and review. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2007; 22:73-84. [PMID: 16627106 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2005.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olimpo E Oliver
- Clinica de Grandes Animales, Departamento de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Bogota de Santa Fe, Bogota, Colombia.
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Rodriguez-Palacios A, Stämpfli HR, Stalker M, Duffield T, Weese JS. Natural and experimental infection of neonatal calves with Clostridium difficile. Vet Microbiol 2007; 124:166-72. [PMID: 17481830 PMCID: PMC7117107 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2007] [Revised: 03/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile toxins were associated with calf diarrhea in a recent retrospective study; however, no causal relationship has been prospectively investigated. This infection study tested whether the oral inoculation of neonatal calves with a toxigenic strain of C. difficile (PCR-ribotype 077) results in enteric disease. Fourteen 6–24 h old male colostrums-fed Holstein calves, received either three doses of C. difficile (1.4 × 108 ± 3.5 × 108 cfu) (n = 8) or sterile culture broth (n = 6). Calves were euthanized on day 6 or after the onset of diarrhea, whichever came first. Fecal and intestinal samples were blindly cultured for C. difficile, and tested for its toxin A/B (C. difficile TOX A/B II ELISA, Techlab). PCR-ribotyping was used to compare inoculated and recovered isolates. Diarrhea was observed in all control calves and 3/8 of inoculated calves (p = 0.03), but it did not occur in calves that tested positive for C. difficile toxins. Fecal toxins were identified only from two controls. PCR-ribotyping confirmed the presence of C. difficile PCR-ribotype 077 in samples of all inoculated calves, but not from controls. The identification of five other PCR-ribotypes in 3/8 (37.5%) and 2/6 (33.3%) of inoculated and control calves, respectively, indicated early natural infection (≤24 h of age). Five of 14 cecal samples had C. difficile (p = 0.01). In conclusion, the oral administration of C. difficile PCR-ribotype 077 to neonatal calves resulted in fecal/intestinal colonization but not in detection of toxins, or signs of enteric disease. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical relevance of C. difficile in calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rodriguez-Palacios
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, N1G 2W1 Ontario, Canada.
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Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of the Alimentary Tract. JUBB, KENNEDY & PALMER'S PATHOLOGY OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS 2007. [PMCID: PMC7155580 DOI: 10.1016/b978-070202823-6.50096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Abstract
Diarrhea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal foal. Numerous noninfectious and infectious agents are responsible for enterocolitis and enteritis. This article provides an overview of the differential diagnoses for neonatal diarrhea and general and specific guidelines for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gary Magdesian
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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