Clinical and pathological studies on the feedlot cattle caused by Clostridium perfringens type A infection

Clostridium perfringens A형균 감염증에 의한 비육우의 임상 및 병리학적 연구

Enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens(Cl. perfringens)has occurred sporadically with devastating effect in Korean cattle. The disease is confirmed by detecting bacterial toxin the interstinal contents. however diagnosis has been challenging since the toxin is short lived and it must be demonstrated within one hour following death. The purpose of this paper is to provide additional clinicall and pathological information derived from observation of cattle administered with Cl. perfringens type A and/or its toxins isolated from natural case. Clinically cattle died suddenly in lateral recumbency with dyspnea tachycardia and muscle tremor without increased rectal temperature. hematology showed leukopenia with absolute decrease of all leukocytes. Blood glucose AST and ALT were increased. Grossly lungs were hyperemic haemorrhagic and edematous. Small intestine especially ileum was hyperemic and hemorrhagic with diffuse areas of necrosis. This study demonstrated that death without increased rectal temperature combined with leukopenia increased serum glucose pulmonary haemorrhage and edema plus necrotizing ileitis are important features associated with enterotoxemia due to Cl. perfringens type. A.