Comparative analysis of lesions caused by histotoxic clostridia in experimentally induced myonecrosis

Abstract

The comparative anatomical and histopathological lesions caused by different histotoxic clostridia are considered an important step in the diagnosis of epidemiological mionecrosis. In the present study, guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were used to reproduce gas gangrene caused by Clostridium septicum, C. chauvoei, C. novyi type A, C. perfringens type A and C. sordellii. The clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions were compared between inoculated groups and an immunohistochemistry (IHC) was standardized for detection of agents in tissues. On clinical evaluation, animals showed swelling at the injection point, discomfort and limited mobility. The intensity and extent of gross and microscopic lesions varied with the inoculated agent. IHC was able to identify each agents inoculated without cross reactions. All observed results demonstrate that the evaluation of lesions could be usefull in the presumptive etiologic diagnosis.