Pathogenicity of enterococci in a rat model of fecal peritonitis.

Abstract

The pathogenicity of enterococci in intraabdominal sepsis has not been clarified. Therefore, fecal-type peritonitis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of barium sulfate along with a bacterial inoculum consisting of Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Clostridium perfringens with or without Streptococcus faecalis. Mortality at 19 d and characteristics of intraabdominal abscesses in survivors at 19 d were analyzed. The presence of S. faecalis in the original inoculum was significantly associated with death or large (greater than 20 mm) abscess formation when these two end points were examined together. S. faecalis may synergize with other bacteria in intraabdominal sepsis to augment morbidity and possibly mortality.

• Authors: A G Matlow, J M Bohnen, C Nohr, N Christou, J Meakins
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 160 Issue 1 Pg. 142-5 (Jul 1989) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2543707 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Abscess (microbiology)
• Animals
• Bacteroides Infections (complications)
• Bacteroides fragilis
• Clostridium Infections (complications)
• Clostridium perfringens
• Enterococcus faecalis (pathogenicity)
• Escherichia coli Infections (complications)
• Male
• Peritonitis (microbiology)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains
• Streptococcal Infections (complications, microbiology)