Definition of Clostridium

Clostridium is a genus of bacteria that grows without oxygen. They are rod shaped and reproduce by forming spores. The Clostridium genus includes more than 100 species.

Pathogens

• Clostridium includes some well-known pathogens that cause illnesses such as botulism, gangrene, colitis and tetanus.

Exotoxins

• According to Biology Online, Clostridium produces very strong exotoxins. These exotoxins are harmful chemicals that they release into their surroundings, and when released inside of the body they can cause illnesses to occur.

Types

• Clostridium diseases are divided into three categories: histotoxic, which affect tissues; enterotoxic, which affect the gastrointestinal system; and neurotoxic, which affecting the nervous system.

Clostridium Difficile

• Clostridium difficile commonly causes intestinal infections--diarrhea, colitis and abdominal pain--especially in people taking antibiotic therapy for another infection. The antibiotics affect the content of the bowel's normal flora--which fights off Clostridium--making the colon environment hospitable to Clostridium difficile.

Clostridium Perfringens

• Clostridium perfringens causes food poisoning when the bacteria grows in large amounts in food. It multiplies as the oxygen levels in food decrease from cooking or when the food is digested.

Prevention/Solution

• Hand washing and sanitizing the bathroom and kitchen with a 1-to-10 mixture of beach and water may prevent clostridium from spreading. Mild clostridium infections are treated with medications and severe cases may require intravenous therapy or surgery, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.