Animal models to study the pathogenesis of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens infections

Rabbits, mice, rats, non-human primates, sheep and cattle have been used to study the effect of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE). CPE produces mostly necrosis of the small intestinal epithelium along with fluid accumulation in rabbits and mice. In the latter, CPE can bind to internal organs such as the liver, which induces lethal potassium levels in blood.