Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium perfringens

Abstract

Clostridium is a diverse genus of Gram-positive, endospore-bearing obligate anaerobes that are widespread in the environment. This genus includes more than 100 species, and the overall range in the G+C content (22–55 mol%) reflects the enormous phylogenetic variation encompassed within this group. The principal foodborne pathogens are Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium perfringens that cause toxin-mediated disease either by preformed toxin (foodborne botulism) or by the formation of toxin in the enteric tract (infant botulism and C. perfringens diarrhea). These two bacteria and their foodborne diseases will be discussed here.