A genus of bacteria. Most are obligate anaerobes, and form endospores.
A type of bacteria.
One of the two genera which together form the family of the Bacillaceae. The clostridia are spore-bearing anaerobic Gram-positive bacilli, many species being saprophytes found in putrefying organic material, others pathogens causing gas gangrene, tetanus and botulism in man and other animals. The pathogenic clostridia produce exotoxins some of which are potent in the extreme. Clostridial species are differentiated by a variety of tests, including their action on carbohydrates (saccharolysis), on meat (proteolysis), their motility, and by the neutralization of their toxic effects by specific antitoxins.
A genus of mostly Gram positive anaerobic spore-forming rod-like bacteria commonly found in soil and in the intestinal tract of man and animals. Many species cause disease in man and animals and produce extremely potent exotoxins. C. botulinum grows freely in badly preserved foods, producing a toxin causing serious food poisoning (‘botulism). C. histolyticum, C. oedematiens, and C. septicum all cause ‘gas gangrene when they infect wounds. C. tetani lives as a harmless commensal in the intestine of animals and man but causes tetanus on contamination of wounds (with manured soil). The species C. welchii (C. perfringens), Welch’s bacillus, causes blood poisoning, food poisoning, and gas gangrene.
The genus, or variety, of micro-organisms that produce spores, thus enabling them to survive under adverse conditions. They normally grow in soil, water and decomposing plant and animal matter, where they play an important part in the process of putrefaction. Among the important members of the group, or genus, are Clostridium welchii, Cl. septicum and CL. oedematiens, the causes of gas gangrene; Ci. tetani, the cause of tetanus; and Cl. botulinum, the cause of botulism.
A genus of gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacilli in the family Bacillaceae. The genus comprises more than 250 species that are inhabitants of soil, water, and the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Many species are pathogenic in humans, including those that colonize dead tissue, secrete numerous proteolytic enzymes, and cause gas gangrene.
Among the diverse array of bacteria, a distinct group known as clostridia stands out. These rod-shaped microorganisms can be found inhabiting soil environments as well as the gastrointestinal tracts of both humans and animals. Clostridia possess unique characteristics, including their ability to produce potent toxins. It is these toxins that give rise to a range of potentially life-threatening diseases, such as botulism, tetanus, and gangrene. The virulence of clostridia stems from their capacity to cause severe damage to tissues and disrupt normal physiological processes. To mitigate the risks associated with clostridial infections, it is imperative to exercise vigilance and implement appropriate preventive measures, as these bacteria have the potential to pose significant threats to human and animal health.
A group of spore-forming bacteria known as the Clostridium genus, which thrive in oxygen-deprived environments. Bacteria belonging to this genus are responsible for conditions such as gas gangrene in wounds and tetanus.