The Clostridium species are unique among many bacteria as they produce spores that allow them to survive in the environment for prolonged periods and under harsh conditions. The clostridia are anaerobic bacteria, which are found ubiquitously in the soil, water sediment and the intestinal tracts of animals. When environmental conditions become favorable, like when introduced into a wound, the spores germinate and become vegetative bacteria. At this point, the organism can grow, multiply and produce some very serious toxins. The species of clostridia that are common pathogens to people are Clostridium tetani, C. botulinum, C. perfringens and C. difficile. The symptoms produced by infections caused by each of these organisms are unique to the specific disease.
Symptoms of Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by the production of a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani. The spores of C. tetani are found widely in the environment. Tetanus is typically acquired through puncture wounds and lacerations with a contaminated object in an unvaccinated individual. The production of toxins causes spastic contractions of voluntary muscles like those in the back, which results in backward arching, or in the jaw, which results in difficulty opening the jaw, known as "lockjaw," and a characteristic "Joker-like" smile.
Symptoms of Botulism
Botulism is a potentially life threatening disease caused by a very powerful neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. There are several types of botulism with most being the result of ingesting preformed toxins in contaminated foods. Other cases are infant botulism and wound botulism. The main symptom of botulism is an acute, flaccid paralysis typically starting at the head and face, and descending lower where it affects the muscles of the diaphragm and extremities. Without treatment, death may occur due to respiratory paralysis.
Symptoms of Gas Gangrene
The bacterium most frequently implicated in gas gangrene is Clostridium perfringens. The person with gangrene may have acquired the infection from surgery or other trauma. Also, people with certain underlying conditions like blood vessel disease and diabetes are at risk of gangrene. Fever, an extremely foul odor, gas production and a blackening of the tissue is frequently observed. The end result is death of the tissue and possibly fatal if not treated in a timely fashion.
Symptoms of Pseudomembranous Colitis
Clostridium difficile can be found normally in the intestine of a small percentage of healthy people and a higher percentage of hospitalized patients. The abundant bacteria that normally resides in the human intestine keeps the C. difficile organisms in check. The problem occurs when the patient, frequently one with an underlying condition, is taking antibiotics for some other infection and the antibiotics disturb the intestinal flora, allowing C. difficile to proliferate and produce toxins. The resulting symptoms of someone with pseudomembranous colitis are abdominal in nature, and the bloating, constipation, and diarrhea can be severe and life-threatening.
References
- Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology
- Koneman's Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology, 6th Ed., Elmer Koneman, M.D., 2006
