Related Experiment Videos
Enteropathogenicity of purified Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin in the pig
Abstract:
In an assay procedure, purified Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin induced the accumulation of fluid in the ileal loop of the axenic pig. The smallest amount of enterotoxin causing a positive response was 25 micrograms (1:32 titer by counterimmunoelectrophoresis [CIEP] ), and 100 micrograms (1:128 CIEP titer) caused a marked response. Possibly, diarrhea in pigs with 1:32 CIEP titer or more of enterotoxin in the feces may be associated with enterotoxigenic C perfringens.
Insights
Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin causes fluid accumulation in pig intestines. High enterotoxin levels in pig feces may indicate a link to enterotoxigenic C. perfringens, potentially causing diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium perfringens is a significant pathogen in swine.
- Enterotoxins produced by C. perfringens are implicated in enteric diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of purified Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin in a pig model.
- To establish a dose-response relationship for enterotoxin-induced fluid accumulation.
Main Methods:
- Purified Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin was administered into the ileal loop of axenic pigs.
- Fluid accumulation was measured as an indicator of enterotoxin activity.
- Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) was used to determine enterotoxin titers.
Main Results:
- A minimum of 25 micrograms of enterotoxin (1:32 CIEP titer) induced fluid accumulation.
- 100 micrograms of enterotoxin (1:128 CIEP titer) resulted in a marked fluid accumulation.
- Enterotoxin titers of 1:32 or higher in feces were potentially associated with diarrhea.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin is capable of inducing fluid accumulation in the porcine ileum.
- The findings suggest a correlation between fecal enterotoxin levels and diarrhea in pigs, possibly linked to enterotoxigenic C. perfringens strains.