Bacteriological and pathological studies on some aerobic and anaerobic bacteria causing diarrhoea in camel calves

ABSTRACT

The present study was carried out to investigate the problem of diarrhoea among camel calves, by isolation, identification, histopathological findings and controlling of the associated infective agents [E. coli, Salmonella and C. perfringens]. Faecal, internal organs [spleen, kidneys, liver and part of small intestine] and blood samples were obtained from 120 camel calves [aged 10-18 month] for microbiological examination. The isolated rate of E. coli, Salmonella and C perfringens from diarrhoeic animals were [41.1%], [7.8%] and [65.6%], respectively. The isolated rate from the apparently healthy animals were [13.3%], [0%] and [33.3%], respectively. The serological identification of the isolated E. coli and salmonella strains detailed that [O111/K58 and O55/K59] serovars of E. coli and [S. Entertidis and S. Typhimurium] were the most common causes of diarrhoea in camel calves. The rate of both Beta and Epsilon toxins of C. perfringens was [53.3%] and [23.3%], while individually was [14.4% and 3.3%] and [27.8% and 10%] in diarrhoeic and apparently healthy camel calves, respectively. The microscopical examination revealed degenerative changes with marked necrosis in the hepatic and renal tissues, spleenic depletion and desquamation of the intestinal lining epithelium indicated the toxic effect of C. perfringens type [C and D]. In Salmonella Typhimiurium infection vasculitis and thrombi in blood vessels of the lamina propria and submucosa resulting in focal intestinal infarctions and ulceration, were the most important findings. Caecal glands were dilated and filled with gases and aggregation of inflammatory cells were observed in E. coli infection. The antibiotics used in the treatment of diarrhoea were Augmentin, Chloramphenicol, Gentamycine, Ciprofloxacin, Florofenicol, Rifampicin and Metronidazol, according to sensitivity test