Clostridium perfringens is one species of the genus Clostridia. Classically, it is the prime organism that produces Clostridial myonecrosis - gas gangrene. However, it may also produce food poisoning.
Morphologically, it is a Gram-positive rod. It forms spores which are oval. Frequently, spores are sited in the sub-terminal or central part of the bacillus. C. perfringens is a non-motile organism.
C. perfringens grows in strictly anaerobic conditions. It produces haemolysis of blood agar at 37 degrees centigrade. Colonies are round with smooth edges.
It has a variety of pathogenic factors:
Generally, it is sensitive to penicillin and metronidazole.
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