Clostridium botulinum type C, D, C/D, and D/C: An update.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Microbiology
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, a neurological disease affecting humans and animals.
• While toxinotypes A, B, and E are common in humans, C, D, C/D, and D/C primarily affect animals like birds and cattle.
• Knowledge regarding these less common toxinotypes, their impact on animal health, and potential human transmission is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) types C, D, C/D, and D/C in cattle and poultry.
• To explore the epidemiological cycles of these BoNTs in livestock.
• To assess the zoonotic potential of animal botulism caused by these toxinotypes and discuss risk mitigation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on BoNTs C, D, C/D, and D/C.
• Analysis of epidemiological data related to botulism outbreaks in cattle and poultry.
• Discussion of potential transmission routes and risk factors for zoonotic spread.

Main Results:

• BoNTs C, D, C/D, and D/C are significant causes of botulism in cattle and poultry, with underestimation likely due to detection challenges in avifauna.
• Epidemiological cycles for these toxinotypes in livestock are not fully understood.
• The zoonotic potential of these toxinotypes requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of BoNTs C, D, C/D, and D/C in livestock is crucial for effective disease management and prevention of potential human exposure.
• Further research into the epidemiology and zoonotic transmission of these toxins is warranted.
• Implementing adapted risk mitigation strategies is essential for controlling botulism outbreaks in animals and protecting public health.