Mechanism of Action of the Enteropathogenic Factor of Clostridium perfringens Type A

Cell extract of an enteropathogenic strain of Clostridium perfringens type A was administered intravenously to lambs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Lambs developed transitory diarrhea, lacrimation, salivation, nasal discharge, lassitude, and dyspnea in 1 to 5 hr after inoculation. Large doses of the inoculum caused rapid onset of the clinical signs and subsequent death. Examination of dead animals revealed intensely hyperemic small intestinal mucosa and some congestion in the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys. Rabbits showed excessive salivation, frequent defecation, tranquility, and dyspnea, followed by death. Guinea pigs became weak and died in 15 min to 7 hr. Congestion was evident in lungs, liver, spleen, and in the small intestine. In lambs and guinea pigs tested, atropine and epinephrine alleviated the clinical signs. Intradermally injected cell extract caused an immediate increase in capillary permeability and subsequent erythematous reaction without necrosis in the skin of guinea pigs. It is hypothesized that in the enteric infection C. perfringens enteropathogenic factor acts on the small intestine causing increased capillary permeability, vasodilation, and increased intestinal motility.