Experimental hemorrhagic septicemia: gross and microscopic lesions resulting from acute infections and from endotoxin administration.

Abstract

Gross and microscopic lesions observed in bovine and porcine hemorrhagic septicemia, and in bovine Pasteurella multocida endotoxemia are described. Widely distributed hemorrhages, edema, and general hyperemia were the most obvious tissue changes observed in the infected calves. Pneumonia was a constant lesion. Aerosol exposure produced a multiple focal fibrinosuppurative pneumonia, while intranasal and intramuscular inoculation resulted in generalized interstitial pneumonia. A slight lymphadenitis and degenerative changes in hepatic and renal parenchymal cells were also observed. The predominant lesions observed in infected pigs were a diffuse, extensive, fibrinous pneumonia and fibrinous polyserositis. Edema and general hyperemia were observed, but the widespread hemorrhages which occurred in the calves were not present. Acute lymphadenitis and renal tubule vacuolar degeneration were observed. A slight amount of cloudy swelling and focal areas of necrosis were found in the liver. Lesions in a calf that died following administration of Past. multocida endotoxin were widely distributed hemorrhages, edema, and general hyperemia. These lesions were especially evident in the lungs, and indicated widespread vascular alteration.