Definition

• Diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Clostridium
  • Gram-positive, spore-forming obligate anaerobes that are ubiquitous in nature
  • More than 60 recognized species, many of which are generally considered saprophytic
  • Some species are pathogenic for humans and animals, particularly under conditions of lowered oxidation-reduction potential.
• Infections associated with clostridia range from localized wound contamination to overwhelming systemic disease.
• The four major disease categories for which clostridia are responsible are:
  • Intestinal disorders
  • Suppurative deep tissue infections
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Bacteremia
• Toxins play a major role in some of these syndromes.
  • Clostridia produce many different toxins that can cause potentially fatal syndromes.
  • In addition, they cause:
    • Tissue death (necrosis)
    • Destruction of blood (hemolysis)
    • Local decrease in circulation (vasoconstriction)
    • Leaking of the blood vessels (increased vascular permeability)

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