Clostridium perfringens Type D Epsilon Prototoxin and Toxin Effects on the Mouse Body Weight

first step, minimum lethal dose per milliliter (MLD/mL) was determined and according to MLD, 50% endpoint (LD 50 ) was determined. Finally, mice with 18 to 20 g body weight were injected with the different concentrations of activated freeze dried prototoxin. Results: Two days after injection, a decrease in body weight was observed in experimental groups, while no decrease in body weight was observed in the control group. The results indicated that the activated C. perfringens culture filtrate temporarily inhibits mouse general metabolism. Conclusions: As secreted prototoxin is activated in the small intestine of infected animals, vaccination of the domestic animals in the proper time by the appropriate vaccine could prevent these effects.