title: Pathogenesis and pathology of blackleg in ruminants: the role of toxins and neuraminidase. A short review.
abstract: There is no consensus on the pathogenesis of blackleg infection that occurs in ruminants, but toxins and neuraminidase produced by Clostridium chauvoei are believed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease. This paper provides an update on the role of toxins and neuraminidase in the pathogenesis and pathology of the disease. The use of neuraminidase inhibitors to manage clinical blackleg infections is therefore an alternative therapeutic protocol that should be thoroughly investigated. It is suggested that in vivo clinical trials should be carried out to determine the mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. nickuseh@yahoo.com
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Useh
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Nok
authors.forename: K A N
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Esievo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003013:Clostridium / Q000201:enzymology / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D009439:Neuraminidase
chemical_list: D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D009439:Neuraminidase