In nature, Clostridium (C.) is a genus of widely distributed commensal or soil-borne bacteria as well as often being a part of the enteric flora of many animals and humans. We tend to pay more attention to pathogenic clostridium species as C. botulinum, C. chauvoei, C. haemolyticum, C. novyi, C. perfringens, C. septicum, and C. tetani, rather than the commensal members of this genus. Clostridium species are distinguished from other bacteria by their anaerobicity and the presence of heatresistant endospores. Predisposing conditions are always needed for clostridial infections to occur, i.e., a deep wound or a traumatic injury that compromises the skin or intestinal barrier, or the alteration of the gastrointestinal microbiota because of a change in feed or the treatment of antimicrobial agents. When these conditions are met, the bacteria usually produce toxins which are primarily responsible for the pathogenesis of the diseases caused by the bacteria. Because the bacteria's toxins act quickly, treating diseases caused by them is very challenging. We can classify clostridial diseases and infections into three major categories: neurotoxic diseases, histotoxic diseases, and enteric diseases. Animals that are afflicted with clostridial diseases typically die suddenly, with no apparent symptoms. Bacteria present in animal’ intestine can multiply, causing the bacteria to spread throughout the carcass. In addition to putrefaction of carcasses caused by growth of clostridial organisms’ postmortem, other pathologies can be affected. So, carcasses must be examined early to make a definitive diagnosis and tested specifically for bacteria and their toxins, with histopathology also crucial. As well as morphological and biochemical characteristics, antigenic specificity of toxins and surface antigens are used to distinguish between the various pathogenic and related species. In order to prevent these diseases, vaccination is the best method for protection. The current chapter reviews a number of histotoxic and neurotoxic clostridial diseases as well as enterotoxaemia’s that have been reported in farm animals. Moreover, it includes information concerning their etiology, epidemiology, and the mechanisms underlying their pathology. Furthermore, it covers treatment, control, and prevention strategies. |
