Clinical Chemistry of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Poisoning in Monkeys

Abstract

Clinical chemistry values were examined in 90 monkeys administered a purified preparation of staphylococcal enterotoxin, type B, intravenously. These studies showed an early release of epinephrine accompanied by a mild increase in blood glucose. This was followed by progressively developing prolonged hypoglycemia. An early increase in bloodurea nitrogen occurred, presumably as a result of both prerenal azotemia and functional renal failure seen in association with the observed hypotension. Serum protein, Ca, and Cl concentrations decreased with time. Pi levels increased, whereas Na and K concentrations in serum remained unchanged. Serum enzyme concentrations were unchanged, with the exception of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, which rose rapidly when compared with prechallenge control observations or with values from sham-challenged monkeys. These changes were statistically significant. These results suggested that enterotoxin administered intravenously produced early change in glucose metabolism, possibly related initially to catecholamine release and later to increased utilization of glucose and metabolic acidosis. Other findings were compatible with tissue breakdown at as yet undetermined locations and with loss of endothelial membrane integrity, as evidenced by loss of protein from the vascular space.

Development of Thermally Stable Nanobodies for Detection and Neutralization of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B

“…SEB is one of the most potent super-antigens responsible for SFP and is an NIH class B priority toxin [ 22 ]. The low toxic dose of SEB and its potential use as a bioterrorism agent necessitate sensitive tools for detection and neutralization [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Several nbs and nb-based immunoassays for detection of SEB in buffer and milk have been reported, with varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…Moreover, SEB is resistant to proteolytic digestion, heat treatment, and low pH, allowing it to remain active in environments, such as the digestive tract or processed foods, where even the organism that produces the toxin cannot persist [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Consumption of as little as 20 ng/kg of enterotoxin rapidly results in abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Due to its high stability, toxicity, and ease of dissemination, SEB has been classified as a class B priority toxin ( , accessed on 1 June 2023) and is considered a potential bioterrorism agent [ 22 ].…”

Effect of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B on Body Fluid Compartments in Conscious Rhesus Monkeys

“…In the rhesus monkey, used as an experimental model, hypotension and death frequently follow an intravenous (i.v.) injection of purified SEB in quantities as small as 25 μg/kg [5]; larger doses are consistently lethel while, in contrast, death rarely follows the oral administration of even very large doses. This difference has stimulated several earlier studies [2, 7] but the mechanisms leading to irreversible shock and death after i.v.…”

Cardiovascular and Vomiting Responses to a Lethal Intravenous Dose of Staphyloenterotoxin A in Rhesus Monkeys

“…It is known to initiate a different type of pathology, i.e, irreversible shock and death, when administered by a parenteral route to one of the few susceptible animal species. This lethal effect occurs with doses far below those required to induce emesis and diarrhea (without shock or death) when given orally [4]. 1 In conducting their research, the investigators adhered to the 'Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals', Committee on Revision of the Guide for Laboratory Animal Facilities and Care, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Research Council.…”