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Clostridial myonecrosis clinically resembling black quarter in an Indian elephant (Elephas maximus)

H Rahman1, A Chakraborty, T Rahman

  • 1Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok 737 102, Sikkim, India. hr19@rediffmail.com

Revue Scientifique Et Technique (International Office of Epizootics)
|May 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Clostridium perfringens type A caused fatal myonecrosis in an Indian elephant. This bacterium produced alpha toxin, leading to severe tissue damage, distinct from black quarter disease.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Microbiology
  • Elephant Health

Background:

  • Investigating the etiology of acute fatal myonecrosis in an Indian elephant (Elephas maximus).
  • Identifying the specific bacterial pathogen responsible for the severe muscle necrosis.

Observation:

  • The causative agent was identified as Clostridium perfringens type A.
  • Multiplex polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of the alpha toxin gene (cpa) only among tested toxin genes.
  • The isolate exhibited sensitivity to several antibiotics including amikacin and enrofloxacin, but resistance to oxytetracycline and tetracycline.

Findings:

  • Clostridium perfringens type A, specifically producing alpha toxin, was confirmed as the cause of acute fatal myonecrosis.
  • The genetic analysis revealed the presence of the cpa gene, encoding alpha toxin.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing provided data on effective and ineffective treatments.

Implications:

  • This finding clarifies the etiology of myonecrosis in elephants, differentiating it from diseases like black quarter.
  • Understanding the role of Clostridium perfringens type A and its toxins is crucial for diagnosing and managing similar cases in wildlife.
  • The antibiotic sensitivity profile aids in guiding therapeutic interventions for Clostridium perfringens infections in elephants.

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