Clostridium perfringens - Infection

Clostridium perfringens

Spores are rarely seen clinically, and, that colonies are flat and irregular; it is beta-hemolytic.

C. perfringens* can be divided into subtypes based on toxin production.

Virulence factors:

Alpha toxins cause hemolysis, vascular leakage, liver toxicity, and cardiac dysfunction.

– Present in all C. perfringens subtypes.

Several other toxins form pores and/or induce necrosis.

Food poisoning enterotoxins* alter the intestinal membrane permeability, leading to fluid and ion loss; like some other bacterial toxins, this enterotoxin is a superantigen.

Infection:

Range of soft tissue infections, including cellulitis, fasciitis, myositis, and myonecrosis.

– Myonecrosis, aka, gas gangrene, which is a life-threatening disease that destroys muscle tissues. Bacterial metabolic activity produces characteristic gas bubbles, which appear as purlplish-black bulges under the skin. Tissue necrosis and other complications can lead to death. C. perfringens* food poisoning typically results from consumption of contaminated meat products; the enterotoxin acts on the small intestine to produce abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea without fever or vomiting.

Treatment & Prevention:

Soft tissue infections:

– Treatment for C. perfringens soft-tissue infections includes antibiotics and surgical debridement of necrotic tissues. – Proper wound care is essential for prevention of infection.

Food poisoning:

– Treatment for food poisoning includes rehydration; antibiotics are not recommended because this type of food poisoning is self-limiting. – Prevention is achieved by refrigerating and thorough reheating of foods to at least 74 degrees Celsius.

References

Gas gangrene (Wikipedia; Authors Engelbert Schröpfer, Stephan Rauthe and Thomas Meyer).

Clostridium perfringens - Infection

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