Clostridium perfringens is one of the most common and important pathogens in livestock due to its
ability to produce a diverse arsenal of toxins. Owing to C. perfringens economic importance, this study
aimed to determine the types and toxins of C. perfringens in newly born lambs. A total of 200 lambs
of less than one-month old were examined, including 100 lambs sufered from diarrhea, 60 freshly
dead and 40 apparent healthy. C. perfringens was identifed morphologically and biochemically using
bacteriological culture in 103 of 200 samples (51.5%). Moreover, serological typing of C. perfringens
isolates revealed three serotypes, C. perfringens type A (54.2%), C. perfringens type B (28.8%) and
C. perfringens type D (16.9%). The highest prevalence rate for C. perfringens infection was observed
in winter (58.25%) in comparison with other seasons. The fndings of the present study confrm the
presence of enterotoxmia among lambs in localities under study, causing economic losses. The proper
vaccination schedule particularly against C. perfringens type A and B is highly recommended. |
