Clostridium haemolyticum

Clostridium haemolyticum is a Gram-positive bacterium belonging to the genus Clostridium. It is an anaerobic organism known for causing bacillary hemoglobinuria in cattle and other ruminants.

Morphology

Clostridium haemolyticum is a rod-shaped bacterium that forms endospores. It is motile with peritrichous flagella. The bacterium is typically found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of animals.

Pathogenesis

Clostridium haemolyticum is the causative agent of bacillary hemoglobinuria, also known as redwater disease. This condition is characterized by hemolysis of red blood cells, leading to hemoglobinuria and anemia. The disease primarily affects cattle but can also occur in other ruminants.

Toxin Production

The pathogenicity of C. haemolyticum is largely due to the production of a potent beta toxin, which is a phospholipase C. This toxin causes the destruction of red blood cell membranes, leading to hemolysis.

Disease Transmission

The spores of C. haemolyticum are ingested by animals and can remain dormant in the liver. Under certain conditions, such as liver fluke infestation, the spores germinate and produce toxins, leading to disease.

Clinical Signs

Animals affected by bacillary hemoglobinuria exhibit signs such as:

• Fever
• Depression
• Anorexia
• Abdominal pain
• Hemoglobinuria (red or dark brown urine)
• Jaundice
• Dyspnea

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bacillary hemoglobinuria is based on clinical signs, necropsy findings, and laboratory tests. The presence of C. haemolyticum can be confirmed by bacterial culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from liver samples.

Treatment

Early treatment is crucial for affected animals. Antibiotics such as penicillin are commonly used. Supportive care, including fluid therapy and blood transfusions, may be necessary.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Vaccination against C. haemolyticum
• Control of liver fluke infestations
• Proper management of pastures to reduce exposure to spores

Epidemiology

Clostridium haemolyticum is found worldwide, with higher prevalence in areas with wetlands and floodplains where liver flukes are common. Outbreaks are often associated with flooding or changes in weather conditions that favor liver fluke activity.

See also

• Clostridium
• Bacillary hemoglobinuria
• Liver fluke