[Detection of toxins of Clostridium perfringens type A in infected animals by using the ELISA test].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ELISA in toxin detection in guinea pigs experimentally infected with toxinogenic strain of Clostridium perfringens type A. The toxin was detected in blood serum and muscles from 12 hours after infection. The results obtained indicate the advantage of ELISA over to date methods used as immunofluorescence or microscopic examination of muscle exudate or sections. ELISA due to its high sensitivity rapidity and specificity allows to detect toxin in guinea pigs before clinical symptoms of gas gangrene are developed.