Bacteriological and serological investigation of Clostridium perfringens in lambs

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 suffered from diarrhea, 60 freshly dead and 40 apparent healthy. C. perfringens was identified 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 findings of the present study confirm 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.