[Occurrence of Clostridium difficile in the digestive system of dogs]

This study was aimed at seeking strains of Clostridium difficile in feces and investigation of influence of antibiotics application on frequency of isolation and detection of toxing in vivo produced by this microorganism. Samples of feces were obtained from experimental dogs consisting of two groups. To groups I belonged 150 healthy dogs. Group II consisted of samples of feces received from four dogs before and after application of various antibiotics. Clostridium difficile was not isolated from group I dogs. From dogs belonging to group II, 28 strains were isolated. Production of toxing and classification to serological groups of the isolated strains were performed. Presence of this microorganism in feces of dogs is evident only after multiple application of antibiotics. Results of these studies suggest that dogs may constitute a reservoir of Clostridium difficile.