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WHAT IS IT?
Clostridium perfringens is a gram positive rod shaped bacteria.
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS
MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS
Toxin (lecithinase/phospholipase C/alpha toxin): catalyzes the splitting of phospholipid molecules. Hydrolyzes lecithin-contianing lipoprotein complexes in cell membranes (causing cell lysiss, tissue necrosis, and edema).
TRANSMISSION
CONDITIONS CAUSED
Gas gangrene: this organism uses carbohydrates for energy. Its rapid metabolism of tissue carbohydrates produces a significant amount of gas.
Myonecrosis
TREATMENT
OTHER HY FACTS
ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS
This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.
Page Updated: 04.17.2017