Clostridium difficile antitoxin in neonatal swine

摘要

Clostridium difficile has been recognized as a significant pathogen of neonatal pigs, reportedly causing clinical signs of diarrhea or constipation, along with localized typhlocolitis and mesocolonic edema. Virulent strains express an enterotoxin (toxin A) and a cytotoxin (toxin B) which are considered to be the primary cause of the pathology associated with infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of various administration routes, dosage volumes, and product potency on mortality to weaning and weight gains in neonatal pigs administered Clostridium difficile antitoxin in a commercial production facility confirmed with endemic Clostridium difficile infection.