PREVALENCE, MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION, AND CONTROL MEASURES OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS ON CALF DIARRHEA IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study surveyed the frequency, identification, and antibiotic resistance patterns of Clostridium perfringens in calves with diarrhea in Jhelum District, Pakistan. Clostridium perfringens, a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium, causes enteric diseases in livestock, leading to significant losses. To assess this pathogen's impact, 200 fecal samples from suspected diarrheic calves (n=100) and buffalo (n=100) were collected. Preliminary screening using “FASTest® Cl. perfringens toxin” diagnostic kits confirmed 90% of the samples as positive. Subsequent culturing at MML and UVAS Lahore showed an overall positivity rate of 75%, with a higher prevalence in cow calves (82%) compared to buffalo calves (68%). Molecular identification using PCR detected specific toxin genes in sources feeding on ovine animals, revealing Cl. perfringens type A as the predominant toxinotype in both cow and buffalo calves. The alpha toxin gene (cpa and etx) was identified in 120 isolates, indicating its significant role in infection morbidity. Antibiotic resistance was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method, showing high resistance among isolates. Notably, Cl. perfringens exhibited significant resistance to tetracycline and clindamycin but was sensitive to ampicillin, vancomycin, and metronidazole. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate antibiotics and addressing antibiotic resistance. Effective management and control strategies are crucial to reducing economic losses from Cl. perfringens in livestock. Special vaccination schedules and improved parlour management are recommended to minimize disease occurrence. Future research should explore additional control measures and investigate the pathogenicity and resistance mechanisms of Cl. perfringens.