The
genus Clostridium belongs to the
family Clostridiaceae and it
currently contains 203 species and 5 subspecies, with only a few species being
pathogenic to humans. Of these species, 21 have been reclassified to other
genera, 5 have been reclassified within the genus and 1 has been
de-accessioned.
Medically
significant Clostridium strains tend
to be Gram positive rods (some are Gram variable), 0.3 – 2.0 x 1.5 – 20.0μm
which are often arranged in pairs or short chains, with rounded or sometimes
pointed or square ends. They are commonly pleomorphic and vary considerably in
their oxygen tolerance.
In
relation to the identification of Clostridium
species, Public Health England have produced a guidance booklet.
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle
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