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Updated: May 27, 2026

Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment

Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment

Published on: September 14, 2013

Life-threatening clostridial infections.

Dennis L Stevens¹, Michael J Aldape, Amy E Bryant

¹Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID 83702, USA.

|November 29, 2011

Summary

Clostridium species cause severe soft tissue infections like gas gangrene, often linked to trauma or specific medical conditions. New research explores novel therapeutic targets to combat these dangerous exotoxin-producing bacteria.

Area of Science:

Infectious Diseases
Microbiology
Toxicology

Background:

Life-threatening soft tissue infections caused by Clostridium species, including gas gangrene, have a long history in medical literature.
Key species like Clostridium perfringens, septicum, and histolyticum are primary causes of trauma-associated gas gangrene, with incidence rising during mass casualty events.
Recent trends show increased spontaneous gas gangrene (Clostridium septicum) linked to gastrointestinal issues and neutropenia, and toxic shock-like syndrome (Clostridium sordellii) associated with specific medical procedures and substance use.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the pathogenesis and clinical significance of Clostridium-associated soft tissue infections.
To highlight the role of potent exotoxins in the disease process.
To identify emerging therapeutic targets for novel treatment strategies.

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Main Methods:

Literature review of historical and recent studies on Clostridium species infections.
Analysis of clinical presentations, associated conditions, and epidemiological trends.
Examination of the role of exotoxins in pathogenesis.

Main Results:

Clostridium species infections, particularly gas gangrene, remain a significant clinical challenge, exacerbated by trauma and mass casualty events.
Emerging patterns include spontaneous gas gangrene and Clostridium sordellii-associated toxic shock-like syndrome.
The pathogenesis is primarily driven by potent exotoxin production.

Conclusions:

Effective management of these infections is complex and requires strategies targeting toxin production and action.
Novel therapeutic approaches focusing on inhibiting toxins or their interaction with the immune system are needed.
Recent research has identified promising new targets for future therapies against Clostridium-induced infections.