• Pathophysiology
  1. Anaerobic Spore-Forming, Gram Positive Rods
  2. Toxicity in humans is via exotoxins and enzymes
  • Types
  1. Neurotoxic Infections
    1. Clostridium botulinum (Botulism)
    2. Clostridium tetani (Tetanus)
  2. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
    1. Clostridium perfringens (Gas Gangrene)
      1. Also the most common cause of acute Food Poisoning in U.S.
    2. Clostridium sordellii (Clostridial Toxic Shock Syndrome)
  3. Gastrointestinal Infections
    1. Clostridium difficile (Pseudomembranous colitis)
      1. Recategorized as Clostridioides difficile in 2016