Clostridium perfringens

Gram ± Clostridium perfringens

Positive

Shape Clostridium perfringens

Rod

Spore former? Clostridium perfringens

Yes

Infection/intoxication? Clostridium perfringens

Infection

Toxico-infection: 

Toxin 5-20% of the strains produces toxin vegetative cells sporulate in gut → enterotoxin 

Cl. perfringens can produce toxins in both the intestinal tract and food 

D/R Clostridium perfringens

10⁵ or bigger

Temperature Clostridium perfringens

5-45C

pH Clostridium perfringens

5-8

(an)aerobe Clostridium perfringens

Anaerobic

Can it handle drought? Clostridium perfringens

yes

Source Clostridium perfringens

Spices, herbs and faeces

Motile? Clostridium perfringens

No

Symptoms For type A and C (Clostridium perfringens)

A: Diarrhoea, nausea, bellyache (gas)

Type C: (rare) severe diarrhoea, enteritis

Incubation and duration of type A Clostridium perfringens

Incubation: 8-24h

Duration: 1-2 days

In what foods is Clostridium perfringens found?

• Poultry

• Spices

• Soup

• Sauces

Prevention and control Clostridium perfringens

Proper chilling of food