Clostridium perfringens enterocolitis

Pathogen: Clostridium perfringens

• Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium → produce exotoxins [33]

• Also causes gas gangrene

Transmission: foodborne (undercooked or poorly refrigerated meat, legumes)

Incubation period: 6–24 hours

Duration: < 24 hours

Severe abdominal cramping

Watery diarrhea

Toxin detection in stool cultures

Supportive therapy for gastroenteritis: e.g., bland diet, oral rehydration therapy

Clostridial necrotizing enteritis

• Requires antibiotic therapy: penicillin, metronidazole

• Surgery may be required for complicated and/or refractory disease (e.g., perforation)