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Sialidase activity in the sera of patients and rabbits with clostridial myonecrosis
Abstract:
The origin and nature of gas gangrene can be diagnosed exactly only by time-consuming bacteriological tests. In order to improve the diagnostic procedures, rabbits were infected with strains of Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium septicum or Clostridium sordellii. Sialidase activity was found to increase rapidly in serum; elevated creatine kinase activities were observed, too. High sialidase concentrations were found in sera (up to 1.6 mU/ml) and in tissues of wounded regions (up to 110 mU/g) of patients diagnosed to be infected with C. perfringens. By inhibition of enzyme activity with antibodies specific for the sialidase from this Clostridium species, it was possible to identify the clostridial origin of the sialidase activities. In the same material from other patients supposed to suffer from gas gangrene, but where no Clostridia could be detected, significant sialidase activity was not found. Thus, sialidase may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of myonecrosis due to clostridial infection.
Insights
Sialidase, an enzyme from Clostridium bacteria, shows increased activity in gas gangrene patients. Measuring this enzyme offers a faster diagnostic method for clostridial myonecrosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Gas gangrene diagnosis relies on slow bacteriological tests.
- Clostridium species are causative agents of gas gangrene.
- Need for rapid diagnostic markers for clostridial myonecrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sialidase as a potential diagnostic marker for gas gangrene.
- To evaluate sialidase activity in infections caused by Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium septicum, and Clostridium sordellii.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of rabbits with Clostridium strains.
- Measurement of sialidase and creatine kinase activity in serum and tissues.
- Use of specific antibodies to confirm the origin of sialidase activity.
Main Results:
- Sialidase activity increased rapidly in serum and wounded tissues during infection.
- Elevated creatine kinase levels were also observed.
- High sialidase concentrations were detected in patients with confirmed Clostridium perfringens infection.
- Sialidase activity was absent in patients without detectable Clostridia.
Conclusions:
- Sialidase activity correlates with clostridial infection.
- Sialidase can be identified by specific antibodies, confirming its clostridial origin.
- Sialidase is a promising biomarker for the rapid diagnosis of gas gangrene (myonecrosis).