Detection and characterization of Clostridium species in soil of Zambia

In the retrospective study of soil-borne diseases of cattle in Zambia, mali gnant edema and blackquarter were widespread. One hundred and sixty-five ca ses with malignant edema and 103 cases with blackquarter were reported betw een 1985 and 1997. It was found that specific soil-conditions associate the emergence of the soil-borne diseases. Soil samples from five areas in Zamb ia were examined for the presence of genus Clostridium. Direct immuno-fluor escent assay (IFA) examination showed that C. septicum, C. novyi and C. cha uvoei were detected in the soil of specific areas in Zambia, respectively. Causal organisms such as C. perfringens were isolated from the soil samples . The information of area-specific distribution of Clositridium species may give an efficient program in protecting cattle and man, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.