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Published on: December 10, 2016
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis).
Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva1, Mirella Lauria D'elia, Danielle Ferreira de Magalhães Soares
1Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue 6627, Belo Horizonte 31.270-901, MG, Brazil. rodrigo.otaviosilva@gmail.com
Anaerobe
|March 8, 2013
Summary
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea was diagnosed in an ocelot after antibiotic treatment for fractures. This highlights C. difficile as a potential pathogen in wild felids, especially post-antimicrobial therapy.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Clostridium difficile is an opportunistic pathogen causing diarrhea in various species.
- Antibiotic therapy is a known risk factor for C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
- Wild felids can be susceptible to enteric infections.
Observation:
- A 24-month-old male ocelot presented with diarrhea following antibiotic treatment (sodium cefovecin) for tibia and fibula fractures.
- Stool sample analysis confirmed the presence of Clostridium difficile A/B toxins via cytotoxicity assay.
- No other enteropathogens were identified in the ocelot's stool sample.
Findings:
- A toxigenic strain of Clostridium difficile was isolated from the ocelot.
- The clinical signs, history, and laboratory results confirmed Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
- This case confirms Clostridium difficile as a potential cause of diarrhea in wild felids.
Implications:
- Clostridium difficile should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea in wild felids, particularly after antimicrobial use.
- This finding expands the known host range for Clostridium difficile infections.
- Further research into C. difficile prevalence and pathogenicity in wildlife populations is warranted.
