Sphaerophorus necrophorus: laboratory model for the evaluation of chemotherapeutic agents in mice.

Severe necro-purulent lesions were induced in mice following parenteral inoculation of Sphaerophorus necrophorus. Gross and histological changes observed in the lung, liver, and foot pad of infected mice were similar to those occurring naturally in cattle. The lesions could be prevented, cured or significantly reduced by the administration of chemotherapeutic agents such as sulfonamides, potentiated sulfonamide and antibiotics. The application of this novel laboratory model infection in the primary evaluation of potential antibacterial agents is discussed.