The ecology and epidemiology of the pig-bel syndrome in man in New Guinea

Abstract

1. Features in the epidemiology of a spontaneous enteric gangrene in the Highlands of New Guinea are described.2. The disease has been called pig-bel because of its firm association with the pig-feasting practices of the people, which occur in 3–7 year cycles.3.Cl. welchiitype C is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the condition. Strains isolated were strongly toxigenic and uniform in their toxin production.4. A food poisoning aetiology was not proved but circumstantial and immunological evidence suggest that pork may be a vector of the disease.5. The source ofCl. welchiitype C was not established.