Pathogens
Clostridium spp.

Clostridium spp.

Precautions

Standard Precautions

General Information

  • Culture
  • PCR can be used to detect selected species and/or toxin genes
  • Large, spore-forming, gram-positive rods. 
  • Over 200 species, but less than 20 are pathogenic
  • Present in soil, feces, and the alimentary tract of animals
  • Divided into four groups based on exotoxins produced (neurotoxic, histotoxic, enteropathogenic and enterotoxaemia producing, atypical)

A wide range of syndromes can be encountered, including gastrointestinal disease, soft tissue infections, neuromuscular disease (botulism, tetanus) and various opportunistic infections.

Susceptibility varies somewhat by species.

Penicillins and metronidazole are drugs of choice for most species. Clindaymcyin is also highly effective against most species, but some resistance is present. as is chloramphenicol. 

Beta-lactamase production is a concern for some species (not typically C. perfringens), but beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations should be effective.   

Activity of cephalosporins is variable and not ideal for most species (apart from C. perfringens, where reasonable activity is present).