infectious diseases
Overview of Clostridial Infections
Diseases Caused by Clostridia
Diseases caused by clostridia (see table) include Botulism (due to Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile–Induced Diarrhea None Overview of Gastroenteritis None Clostridial Soft-Tissue Infections None Tetanus (due to Clostridial Necrotizing Enteritis (due to Neutropenic enterocolitis (typhlitis) (due to Themost frequent clostridial infectionis minor, self-limited gastroenteritis, typically due toC. perfringenstype A. Serious clostridial diseases are relatively rare but can be fatal. Abdominal disorders, such as cholecystitis, peritonitis, ruptured appendix, and bowel perforation can involveC. perfringens,C. ramosum, and many others. Muscle necrosis and soft-tissue infection, which is characterized by crepitant cellulitis, myositis, and clostridial myonecrosis, can be caused byC. perfringens. Skin and tissue necrosis can be caused by bloodborneC. septicumfrom the colon. Clostridia also appear as components of mixed flora in common mild wound infections; their role in such infections is unclear. Hospital-acquired clostridial infection is increasing, particularly in postoperative and immunocompromised patients. Severe clostridial sepsis may complicate intestinal perforation and obstruction. 