Possible induction of disseminated intravascular coagulation in the mouse by group B streptococcal clumping factor.

A hydrochloric acid extract, the clumping factor fraction, obtained from a clumping factor-positive strain of group B streptococci, was capable of killing mice by administration after injection of heat-killed cells of group B streptococci or Escherichia coli intravenously. In mice killed between 24 and 48 h later, fibrin thrombi were observed in the renal glomeruli, as well as in the heart, lung, liver, and pancreas. These findings suggest the possible induction of disseminated intravascular coagulation by these organisms in the mouse.