clostridium

Definition: Clostridia are a genus of anaerobic bacteria, primarily known for forming spores and their roles in various infections.
Classification: Clostridia belong to the family Bacillaceae and includes two significant genera:
- Bacillus (aerobic spore formers)
- Clostridium (anaerobic spore formers)
Number of Species: There are at least 118 species of Clostridia, out of which several are clinically significant:
- Clostridium tetani (causes tetanus)
- Clostridium perfringens (gas gangrene, food poisoning)
- Clostridium botulinum (botulism)
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