Variation of Virulence Factors Associated with Clostridium Perfringens Type A in Cattle

Abstract

Clostridium perfringens Type A is implicated in several cattle diseases including abomasal ulcers and tympany, gas gangrene and possibly jejunal hemorrhage syndrome. Recently, there has been an increased incidence of enteric disease case reporting due to this organism. Pathogenesis of disease includes colonization and production of large amounts of alpha toxin. In addition, debate continues to surface concerning the alleged role of beta2 toxin in bovine disease. Until there is conclusive evidence that beta2 is not involved in pathogenesis, it cannot be ignored in preventative strategies or vaccine technology. The increased prevalence of this organism and the range of disease severity led to the examination of toxin production and growth variation between strains.