51. Significance ofβ2-ToxigenicClostridium perfringensInfections in Animals and Their Predisposing Factors– A Review.
- Author
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Schotte, U., Truyen, U., and Neubauer, H.
- Subjects
- *
CLOSTRIDIUM perfringens , *CLOSTRIDIUM diseases , *BACTERIAL diseases , *ENTERITIS , *INTESTINAL diseases , *ANIMAL diseases - Abstract
The novelβ2-toxin ofClostridium perfringenshas recently been described as the cause of enteric diseases in animals. The biological activity ofβ2-toxin is similar to that of theβ1-toxin with a possibly weaker cytotoxic activity. However, the production ofβ2-toxinin vitrois not seen in allβ2-toxin-gene (cpb2)-positiveC. perfringensstrains, and to deduce a clinical importance solely from the detection ofcpb2is difficult. Detection ofcpb2-positiveC. perfringensfrom various animal species with and without enteric diseases demonstrates the wide distribution ofcpb2in nature, and the presence ofcpb2gene is therefore not considered a risk by itself. Predisposing factors like low trypsin activity in the intestinal tract, antibiotic and/or antiphlogistic treatment or changes in diet can result in the selection ofβ2-toxigenicC. perfringenswhich may lead to enteritis or enterotoxaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004
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