Identification of Clostridium septicum in Clinical Cases Suspected to Braxy and Malignant Edema by Traditional and Molecular Method and Evaluation of Toxigenic Isolates for Vaccine Production

Clostridium septicum is the causative agent of the acute fetal disease braxy and gas gangrene with major economic losses in the dairy industry. Accurate and rapid detection is great importance in this regard. Vaccination is an effective process for protection against C. septicum infection. It is necessary to identify and evaluate toxigenic Iranian isolates to produce a vaccine. This study aimed to detect Iranian isolates and evaluate toxigenic isolates as candidates for vaccine production. To this end, a total of 17 samples of animals, clinically suspected to braxy and malignant edema, were obtained. All samples were then cultured on media and microbiological and biochemical tests were performed on the colonies. The test results were confirmed by PCR amplification of the alpha-toxin gene. The toxigenic isolates were then evaluated using MLD. The experimental vaccine was produced and evaluated according to the British Pharmacopoeia Standard. According to the results, out of 17 samples, 15 samples were considered C. septicum. All samples were confirmed by PCR amplification. The most toxigenic isolate was used for experimental vaccine production. The result was successful. The Iranian isolate could be, therefore, used for vaccine production although further studies should be conducted in this regard.