Enterotoxemia in Albanian Zoo-Park Llama (Lama glama): Clostridium perfringens-type C was the Causative Agent

Abstract

Clostridium perfringens causes enteric diseases in mammals, usually called enterotoxemia. C. perfringens was isolated from ileum and jejunum of dead llamas in one of zoo-parks in Tirana. Diagnosis of the disease was based on clinical sings, pathologically and also in isolation of the causes. Isolates colonies in agar blood were like dewdrops, smooth, gray, shiny and convex. In microscopic preparations colored and prepared with Gram technique were visible small bacillus, in sticks shape and Gram positive. Biochemical identification with API 20A kit valued isolates catalase and lecithinase positive, with hemolytic activity in agarblood from sheep with a dual zone of hemolysis. Isolates fermented producing gas and acid toward glucose, fructose lactose, sucrose and mannitol. Biological test of neutralization in white mice with antitoxins α and β, determined type C of C. perfringensas cause of llamas death, a result that was confirmed by ELISA kit. Besides treatment with drugs for pre-protection of llamas was used bivalent killed vaccine with types C and D of Clostridium perfringens.