[Method of determinating the protective capacity of C1. perfringens toxoid]

The authors describe a model of experimental gas gangrene in guinea pigs; it was produced by the administration of the vegetative form of C. perfringens; the cells were completely washed of the lethal toxin and no toxic or necrotizing agents were added. A possibility of development of gangrenous process without any preliminary depression of the resistance of body tissues in the area of injection of the causative agent was revealed. Apart from the local process and general intoxication gas gangrene, caused by intramuscular injection of C1. perfringens to guinea pigs, was accompanied by bacteriemia and microbial contamination of the internal organs. A method of the animal infection was ascertained and the causes of their death was assessed. The method is recommended for determination of the immunological efficacy of C1. perfringens toxoids.