PATHOGENESIS OF CLOSTRIDIUM-PERFRINGENS TYPE-C IN EXPERIMENTAL GUINEA-PIGS .1. DISEASE PRODUCTION BY WHOLE GROWING CULTURE

Enterotoxaemia was induced in guineapigs by intragastric inoculation w ith whole growing culture of Clostridium perfringens type C either wit h raw soybean flour (RSBF) or autoclaved soybean flour (ASBF). Clinica l signs in guineapigs administered culture and RSBF were dullness, dep ression, anorexia, rough hair coats and slow respiration and heart rat es. Recovery following mild symptoms in the initial stages occurred in guineapigs administered culture along with ASBF. Clinico-pathological ly, the disease was characterized by haemoconcentration, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia. Hyperglycemia was observed in all t he groups of guineapigs but was statistically nonsignificant. Grossly, variable congestion, haemorrhages and necrosis were noticed in the je junum and ileum, more severely in the latter. Other visceral organs an d brain revealed congestion and at times haemorrhages. The histopathol ogical findings generally confirmed the gross changes. The lesions wer e initiated due to the local effect of beta-toxin in the small intesti ne and followed in the other organs with its absorption through circul ation. It was concluded that guineapig had proven to be a good experim ental model for studying the pathological responses to C. perfringens type C.