What Is Microbiology - Clostridium Perfringens

Clostridium perfringens infection 

Clostridium perfringens infection may lead to food poisioning and gas gangrene. Clostridium perfringens is an anerobes, gram positive rod with spores. The mode of transmission of clostridium perfringens infection is via ingestion of contaminated food or wound exposure.

Clostridium perfringens may produce alpha toxin and enterotoxin. Alpha toxin may cause damage to the membrane which increase the permeability for the spread of the toxin. Alpha toxin may also lead to destruction of the tissue due to its lecithinase properties. Gas gangrene is associated with alpha toxin. 

Enterotoxin which is produced during sporulation may lead to food poisoning. The spores are found mostly in the colon of animal, human or in the soil. 

The treatment may include high dose of penicillin G and surgical intervention in case of life threatening gas gangrene. Fluid replacement and supportive therapy is considered in case of food poisoning. 
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