Clostridium
The genus Clostridium consists of
Gram-positive anaerobic, spore forming bacilli which are responsible for three
major diseases – tetanus (Cl. tetani),
gas gangrene (Cl. perfringens,Cl.
septicum, Cl. novyi, Cl. histolyticum, Cl. fallax, etc.), andfood poisoning
(Cl. botulinum, Cl. perfringens Types A
andC). In addition, acute colitis can result from infection with Cl. difficile. Rare cases of intestinal
botulism have been caused bytwo other species of Clostridia, known as Clostridium baratii and Clostridium butyricum, which produce
type F and type E botulinum-like neurotoxins, respectively. Of the cases
reported, illness resulted from intestinal colonisation of the organism.
Clostridia can produce disease only
when conditions are favourable. Their invasive powers are limited. Pathogenic
clostridia act by elaborating powerful exotoxins.
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