Subcutaneous clostridial infection in Adelie penguins in Hope Bay, Antarctica

During the 2000–2001 breeding season in Hope Bay, Antarctica, two adult Adelie penguins were found dead with lesions compatible with subcutaneous clostridial infection. Clostridium cadaveris was isolated from the musculature and the subcutaneous tissue of one of these two penguins, whereas Clostridium sporogenes was isolated from the subcutaneous tissue of the other penguin. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from both animals. This is the first report of subcutaneous clostridial infection in Antarctic Adelie penguins.