PATHOGENESIS OF CLOSTRIDIUM-PERFRINGENS TYPE-C IN EXPERIMENTAL GUINEA-PIGS .2. DISEASE PRODUCTION BY TOXINS

Forty-four guineapigs were divided into 5 groups. Enterotoxaemia was i nduced by intragastric inoculation with crude toxin (CT) of C. perfrin gens type C, mixed either with raw soybean flour (RSBF) or autoclaved soybean flour (ASBF). A group of guineapigs was intoxicated intraperit oneally with partially purified beta toxin (PIP). Haemogram in enterot oxaemic animals consisted of haemoconcentration, intense leucocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia, Significant hyperglycemia was obser ved in PT/IP guineapigs. Recovery following mild symptoms and intense leucocytosis was observed in CT+ASBF administered guineapigs. Grossly, variables congestion, haemorrhages and necrosis were observed in jeju num and ileum, more severely in the latter. Congestion and occasionall y haemorrhage were observed in other visceral organs and brain. Gross changes were truely reflected at histopathology. It is concluded that characteristic haemorrhagic enteritis can be produced by toxins of C. perfringens type C.