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Rabbit ileal loop response to strains of Clostridium perfringens
Abstract:
The ligated loop of the rabbit intestine was investigated as a possible experimental model for the study of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning. The method of preparation of the challenge inoculum was important in determining whether a given strain would provoke a response. When cultures were grown for 4 hr at 37 C in Skim Milk (Difco), 14 of 29 type A strains isolated from food-poisoning outbreaks consistently produced exudation of fluid and consequent dilation of the ileal segments. In contrast, 15 of the 18 strains derived from other sources failed to elicit a response. By use of different inoculum preparations, nearly all strains could be made to give at least an occasional positive loop reaction. Diarrhea was not obtained in rabbits by intraluminal injection into the normal ileum or by per os administration of the cultures. Lecithinase, purified and in concentrated culture supernatant fractions, failed to produce a response in the isolated ileal loops.
Insights
This study explored using rabbit intestinal loops to model Clostridium perfringens food poisoning. Specific culture preparation methods were key for eliciting a response, with food-poisoning outbreak strains being more effective.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium perfringens is a common cause of food poisoning.
- Developing reliable experimental models is crucial for understanding foodborne illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ligated rabbit ileal loop as a model for Clostridium perfringens food poisoning.
- To determine factors influencing the model's responsiveness to different bacterial strains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ligated rabbit ileal loops.
- Prepared challenge inocula from Clostridium perfringens strains.
- Administered inocula via intraluminal injection and oral administration.
- Assessed fluid exudation, ileal dilation, and diarrhea.
Main Results:
- 14 of 29 food-poisoning outbreak strains of Clostridium perfringens consistently produced ileal loop responses (fluid exudation, dilation).
- 15 of 18 strains from other sources failed to elicit a consistent response.
- Nearly all strains could induce occasional reactions with varied inoculum preparations.
- Diarrhea was not observed in rabbits via intraluminal or oral administration.
- Purified lecithinase did not induce a response in the isolated ileal loops.
Conclusions:
- The ligated rabbit ileal loop can serve as a model for Clostridium perfringens food poisoning, particularly with strains from outbreaks.
- Inoculum preparation significantly impacts the model's efficacy.
- The model may not fully replicate all aspects of natural food poisoning, as diarrhea was not induced.