15.1.1.2: The Clostridia
- Page ID
- 42649
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Bacteria in both the genus Bacillus and genus Clostridium are Gram-positive endospore-forming (often shortened to "spore-forming") rods. Clostridia, in contrast to Bacilli which can live aerobically, are strict anaerobes. Their senistivity to oxygen impacts the mechanisms by which pathogens in the genus Clostridium cause disease. For instance, Clostridium botulinum is only of concern in canned (or otherwise anaerobic) food and Clostridium tetani can only infect wounds which are deep or involve a disruption of the blood supply to prevent access of oxygen to the wound site.