Clostridial enteric diseases of domestic animals

Clostridial enteric infections in domestic animals remain a substantial problem for producers, veterinary practitioners, and diagnosticians in spite of the ready availability of putatively effective immunoprophylactic products An accompanying problem is the near-anecdotal nature of much of our information on the incidence, prevalence, and nature of many clostridial diseases. As traditional in vivo diagnostic methods fall into increasing disfavor, the demand for rapid and definitive in vitro diagnostics is increasing. Effectively addressing the challenges of the future will be facilitated by accurate assessment of the incidence and/or prevalence of these infections and the informed participation of diagnosticians and practitioners to better define clinical, microbiologic, and pathologic characteristics which may be useful in diagnosis and improving immunoprophylactic products. Equally important will be integration of the findings of laboratory research to provide diagnostic tools and application of these tools to rapid diagnosis, allowing timely application of therapy or prophylaxis.