Cholangiohepatitis in chickens induced by bile duct ligations and inoculation of Clostridium perfringens

The association of bile duct ligation with the development of cholangiohepatitis due to Clostridium perfringens was examined. Chickens with only the cystoenteric duct ligated had no significant liver lesions even if C. perfringens was inoculated into the cystoenteric duct. Chickens with both the cystoenteric and hepatoenteric ducts ligated had enlargement of the liver with an apparent acinar pattern. Histopathologically, proliferation of bile ductules was seen. Bile ductules proliferated extensively, and fibrosis formed bridges between triads. The gall bladder and extrahepatic bile ducts were thickened and distended with yellow inspissated material in chickens that had both ducts ligated and had C. perfringens inoculated into the cystoenteric duct. Multiple granulomas and intrahepatic cholangitis were frequently observed. Infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells with germinal centres, and heterophilic extramedullary haematopoiesis were seen in the portal areas. Thus, cholangiohepatitis similar to field cases can only be induced by both ligation of bile ducts and inoculation of C. perfringens.