Clostridium species

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Clostridia

• Clostrisium bacteria are Gram-positive and obligate anaerobes.

Species

Clostridium botulinum

• Clostridium botulinum has been implicated in equine grass sickness.
• The toxin also causes botulism, a disease affecting muscle at the neuromuscular junction.

Clostridium chauvei

• Causes gas gangrene, along with Clostridium septicum.
• Infects muscles giving black leg myositis

Clostridium novyi

• Causes gas gangrene and myositis.
• May be involved in cutaneous lesions

Clostridium perfringens

• Causes:
  • Lamb dysentery
  • Colitis X.
  • Pulpy kidney disease
    • C. perfringens type D only.
  • Peritonitis in cattle
  • Dysphagia in horses
  • Gas gangrene
  • Myositis

Clostridium septicum

• Causes gas gangrene and myositis

Clostridium sordelli

• Causes gas gangrene and myositis

Clostridium tetani

• Clostridium tetani may infect wounds, giving rise to tetanus