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BLOOD CHEMICAL CHANGES IN EXPERIMENTAL STREPTOCOCCUS SEPTICEMIA.
1Department of Bacteriology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Fatal Streptococcus hemolyticus infections in rabbits cause significant metabolic changes, including altered blood sugar, marked acidosis, and increased inorganic phosphorus, non-protein nitrogen, and creatinine. These findings suggest substantial acid production by the bacteria in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Streptococcus hemolyticus infections can lead to severe systemic effects.
- Understanding the metabolic disturbances during infection is crucial for prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical and physiological changes in rabbits following intravenous inoculation with Streptococcus hemolyticus.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were administered fatal intravenous doses of Streptococcus hemolyticus.
- Blood sugar, liver glycogen, CO(2) capacity, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, non-protein nitrogen, and creatinine were measured.
Main Results:
- Blood sugar decreased but did not reach hypoglycemia; liver glycogen was present at death.
- Marked initial decrease in CO(2) capacity followed by a return to a higher level, culminating in severe terminal acidosis.
- Significant increases in inorganic phosphorus, non-protein nitrogen, and creatinine were observed terminally.
- Calcium levels decreased to pathological levels in both acute and fulminating infection types.
Conclusions:
- The observed metabolic derangements, particularly acidosis and elevated phosphorus, suggest significant acid production by Streptococcus hemolyticus in vivo.
- These changes provide insights into the pathophysiology of severe streptococcal infections.
