The effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin as a trigger for hepatic infection of rabbits with Fusobacterium necrophorum

To evaluate the effects of endotoxin in hepatic infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum, rabbits were given several combinations of F. necrophorum and Escherichia coli endotoxin. Severe hepatic necrosis with multiplication of F. necrophorum was induced by inoculation of endotoxin via the bile duct and following inoculation of both endotoxin and F. necrophorum. Inoculation with F. necrophorum alone, preceded by inoculation of endotoxin via the bile duct, also induced hepatic necrosis, whereas rabbits which received a single inoculation of endotoxin or F. necrophorum had only slight necrotic lesions. The pathogenetic mechanism of experimental hepatic infection with F. necrophorum is discussed.