CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASE OF THE GUT

Clostridia are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. Some of the most common clostridial infections are those of the gut, The primary infections in humans are Clostridium perfringens food poisoning and Clostridium difficile-mediated antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis. Less common but important infections include non-food poisoning C. perfringens nosocomial diarrhea and C. perfringens type C necrotizing jejunitis (pig-bel). C. perfringens is also the dominant cause of gastrointestinal infections in animals, although Clostridium septicum causing braxy in sheep, Clostridium colinum causing ulcerative enteritis in avian species, and Clostridium spiroforme causing enterotoxemia in rabbits are important exceptions.