Reproducible infection model for Clostridium perfringens in broiler chickens

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Previous attempts to model Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens were unsuccessful.
• Only transient colonization with challenge strains was achieved, lacking a robust disease model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reproducible infection and disease model for Clostridium perfringens in broiler chickens.
• To investigate the role of predisposing factors in the development of necrotic enteritis.

Main Methods:

• Two experimental series were conducted using broiler chickens housed in isolators.
• A high-dose coccidial vaccine was administered to induce predisposing lesions, followed by Clostridium perfringens challenge via feed.
• Chickens were monitored for clinical signs, mortality, and intestinal lesions.

Main Results:

• No mortality was observed in any experimental group.
• Chickens receiving both the high-dose coccidial vaccine and Clostridium perfringens challenge developed subclinical necrotic enteritis.
• Focal necroses in the small intestine were observed only in chickens challenged with both agents, while control groups showed no lesions.

Conclusions:

• Predisposing factors, such as coccidiosis, are crucial for the development of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.
• The combined challenge model effectively induced a subclinical form of the disease, useful for further research.
• This study emphasizes the synergistic effect between coccidial infections and Clostridium perfringens in disease pathogenesis.