ISSN:
1432-0584
Keywords:
Clostridium perfringens
;
Hemolysis
;
Phospholipase C
;
Neuraminidase
;
T-antigen
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Massive hemolysis is a rare, usually fatal complication ofClostridium perfringens septicemia. Of all toxins produced by the bacterium, phospholipase C (PLC) is believed to be the most likely cause of hemolysis. An influence of neuraminidase has often been suspected. In the present study, a case ofC. perfringens septicemia with acute massive intravascular hemolysis is described. It led to death within 4 h of admission to the hospital. While the course of events was comparable to previously reported cases, we succeeded in gaining deeper insight into the pathogenesis by monitoring serum anti-T titer and quantifying serum PLC activity during the course of the disease. We excluded an effect of neuraminidase by a negative direct antiglobulin test, a negative anti-T lectin test, and a steady serum anti-T titer of 1 in 32. Serum PLC activity, on the other hand, showed a nearly fivefold increase (6.0 to 27.3 U/l), which is consistent with the hypothesized dominant role of this enzyme.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01701741
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