What is Clostridium

Clostridium is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria, belonging to the Firmicute. Clostridium consists of around 100 species that include common free-living bacteria as well as important pathogens. They are obligate anaerobes capable of producing endospores. There are four main species responsible for disease in humans. The clostridia are opportunistic pathogens. Less life-threatening diseases include pseudomembranous colitis (PC) and food poisoning. It causes disease primarily through the production of numerous exotoxins. Individual cells are rod-shaped, which gives them their name, from the Greek kloster or spindle. Nonetheless, they are responsible for some of the deadliest diseases including gas gangrene, tetanus and botulism.
Clostridium species are Gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-formers. These generally obligate anaerobes are ubiquitous saprophytes or part of our normal flora. These characteristics traditionally defined the genus, however many species originally classified as Clostridium have been reclassified in other genera. Clostridia employ butyric fermentation pathways to generate energy and, as a result, often produce a foul odor. Non-pathogenic strains of Clostridium may help in the treatment of diseases such as cancer. Research shows that Clostridium can selectively target cancer cells. Some strains can enter and replicate within solid tumours.
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