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Clostridium Classification

Clostridium is the genus for a group of four species of bacteria. Each species produces different diseases, including gas gangrene, food poisoning, botulism, tetanus and colitis. All of the Clostridium species cause infections in their hosts, making them pathogens. They possess the ability to form spores under adverse conditions. During growth, they produce exotoxins, which are poisons released into their host.

  1. Clostridium perfringens

    • Clostridium perfringens is responsible for food poisoning and gas gangrene. What is known as common food poisoning involves severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea within eight to 22 hours after eating food with large numbers of Clostridium perfringens, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Most cases involve food that was not properly cooked at a high enough temperature for long enough to eliminate the bacteria. The symptoms cease in most cases in 24 hours. Clostridium perfringens also causes gas gangrene, which involves poor blood supply after a trauma to the body or surgery. Symptoms include fever and pain along with cell death at the site, with the infection spreading in the body. Without prompt and proper treatment, gas gangrene is fatal.

    Clostridium botulinum

    • Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria that exists in foods and affects the nervous system. Paralysis and death can result from botulism. Even a small amount of the toxin can cause serious illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of botulism include blurred vision, slurred speech and general weakness. One type of the bacteria is the strongest exotoxin known to exist, as stated by Southern Illinois University, and in sufficient quantities will be fatal. In many cases, botulism is due to improper canning procedures that allow the bacteria to live in the food product.

    Clostridium tetani

    • Infection with Clostridium tetani, also called tetanus or lockjaw, occurs after the bacteria, which live in soil around the world, enter the body through a wound or opening. Symptoms appear within 7 to 21 days. A tetanus vaccination provides protection from the bacteria for a period of approximately 5 years. The bacteria releases exotoxins, which block signals from the central nervous system to the muscles, causing spasms. Without treatment, tetanus can be fatal.

    Clostridium difficile

    • Clostridium difficile causes intestinal problems, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea and can lead to colitis, or inflammation of the colon. Prolonged use of antibiotics can be a risk factor for this disease. Normally, healthy individuals do not become infected with Clostridium difficile. Elderly individuals are more likely to be infected as are people who have been hospitalized, according to MedlinePlus.

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