Response of ligated rabbit ileal loop to Clostridium perfringens type C strains and their toxic filtrates.

The vegetative cells and toxic filtrates of Clostridium perfringens type C strains were injected into ligated rabbit ileal loops and the responses were observed. Out of 12 strains examined, 2 strains showed positive reaction in this test, when the vegetative cells were injected. One of these 2 strains was an enterotoxigenic and beta-toxigenic and the other was beta- and delta-toxigenic but not enterotoxigenic. Culture filtrates containing beta or delta toxin also showed fluid accumulation in the rabbit ileal loop. Histological findings of loops injected with culture filtrates containing beta toxin showed separated and effaced villi, hemorrhage in the mucosa, engorged vessels, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue.