Missed Topic - Clostridium

What are the five Clostridium species, and which two are the most common?

1. Clostridium perfringens (most common)

2. Clostridium septicum (second most common)

3. Clostridium botulinum

4. Clostridium tetani

5. Clostridium difficile

What two diseases does C. perfringens cause?

1. Gangrene

2. Food poisoning

C. perfringens (does/does not) have spores, unlike the rest of the Clostridium species.

Does not

What kind of toxin is responsible for disease production in a C. perfringens infection?

Exotoxin

What morphology (macro and micro) does Clostridium perfringens have?

1. Micro: boxcar shape

2. Macro: double zone of beta hemolysis

How can you make a preliminary ID on C. perfringens?

Lecithinase activity

What does C. septicum cause, and what is the underlying pathology?

1. Bacteremia

2. Either colonic carcinoma or other GI pathology

What is the micro and macro morphology of C. septicum?

1. Micro: GPR in chains

2. Macro: Medusa head colonies

What is C. botulinum associated with?

Canned goods

How is a diagnosis made for C. botulinum?

Based on BoNT found in vomitus or stool

What are the treatments for C. botulinum?

1. Pump

2. Enemas

3. Cathartics

How do you make a diagnosis for C. tetani and why?

Based on clinical presentation because lab tests for the neurotoxin are unavailable.

What kind of odor does C. difficile produce?

Horse manure odor

What media is used to grow C. difficile?

Cycloserine Cefoxitin Egg-yolk Fructose Agar

Does C. difficile produce spores? If so, where?

Yes, subterminal and free

What is the macroscopic morphology for C. difficile?

Yellow with ground glass appearance that fluoresces under UV light