Authors : M.Y. Sugun , H.M. Kazeem , N.D.G. Ibrahim , N.M. Useh , L.B. Tekdek and I. Ajogi
Abstract: Blackleg is an economically important disease of cattle, sheep and other ruminants which is endemic in both developed and developing countries of the world. Toxins and neuraminidase produced by Clostridium chauvoei have been reported to play significant complimentary roles in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this study, the pathological changes caused by exogenous toxins produced following the culture of C. chauvoei at 24 and 48 h respectively were investigated and it was observed that the 24 h toxin produced more severe pathological changes, compared to the 48 h toxin. Necrosis was observed in the tissues examined, both grossly and histopathologically and was attributed probably to impaired cellular (mitochondrial) respiration. It was concluded that, although toxins produced by C. chauvoei play an important role in the mechanisms of blackleg, the role of leukotrienes (C4, D4 and E4), cytokines (interleukin-1, IL-1; tumour necrosis factor- , TNF- ), platelet-activating factor, interferon, complement fragments (anaphylatoxins C5a and C3a), prostaglandins and neuraminidase in the pathogenesis of C. chauvoei infection in mice need to be thoroughly investigated.
M.Y. Sugun , H.M. Kazeem , N.D.G. Ibrahim , N.M. Useh , L.B. Tekdek and I. Ajogi , 2007. Pathological Changes in Mice Experimentally Injected Clostridium chauvoei Toxins. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 234-237.