The incidence of Clostridioides difficile and Clostridium perfringens netF-positive strains in diarrheic dogs

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of Clostridioides ( previously Clostridium) difficile and Clostridium perfringens in the feces of diarrheic and non-diarrheic dogs. Also, the presence of other common canine enteropathogens was examined. Toxigenic C. difficile and C. perfringens positive for the NetF-encoding gene ( netF ) were detected in 11 (11.9%) and seven (7.6%) diarrheic dogs, respectively. Three dogs were diagnosed simultaneously with toxigenic C. difficile and netF -positive C. perfringens . Among other enteropathogens, Giardia sp. was the most common agent detected in dogs positive for toxigenic C. difficile or netF -positive C. perfringens . The results suggest that C. difficile and C. perfringens occur more frequently as a primary cause of diarrhea.