Clostridium
Clostridium-specific intravenous immunoglobulin is of no benefit once spasm has started
What our notes say
- Clostridium-specific intravenous immunoglobulin is of no benefit once spasm has started (Paediatrics end of fourth year main exam: 1 July 2019, Paper One, 99 of 100 MCQs)
- They play an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases caused by Clostridium (Medical Bacteriology and Entomology)
- All of the following statements regarding Clostridium perfringens are correct EXCEPT: (Medical Bacteriology And Parasitology End Year 2024/2025)
- Failure to culture Clostridium tetani from the wound would make the diagnosis doubtful (Paediatrics end of fourth year main exam: 1 July 2019, Paper One, 99 of 100 MCQs)
- Clostridium botulinum-associated foodborne illness may occur within 18-24 hours of ingestion. (Bacteriology and Entomology Main Exam)
- The trismus (lockjaw) and facial muscle spasms strongly suggest Clostridium tetani infection (tetanus) — entering through a wound, likely the necrotic area on the foot (Bacteriology and Entomology Main Exam)
Study material on Clostridium
- Bacteriology and Entomology Main Exam
- Medical Bacteriology and Entomology Exam 2020/2021 MCQs
- Bacteria
- Streptococcus Classification, S. pyogenes, Rheumatic Fever, AGN
- Mbmm3311 – Medical Bacteriology
- Bactriology Course Outline
- Medical Bacteriology MCQs: ETEC, Pseudomonas, Salmonella & More
- Medical Bacteriology and Entomology MCQs
- Medical Bacteriology Examination MCQs
- MBPL3822 Chemotherapy CAT 1 MCQs
- Weekly Year 2: Microbiology Exam - June 12, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: Microbiology Exam - May 29, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: Microbiology Exam - May 22, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: Microbiology Exam - June 5, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: Microbiology Exam - May 15, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 2: Microbiology Exam - April 21, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Practice questions on Clostridium
All of the following statements regarding Clostridium perfringens are correct EXCEPT
- It produces an enterotoxin
- It produces a double zone of β-hemolysis when grown on blood agar
- Some strains are aerotolerant
- It is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- It can cause intravascular hemolysis
Answer: D. C. difficile, not C. perfringens, is the main cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, so statement D is the incorrect one. ---
The organism Clostridium perfringens multiplies in foods only under what conditions?
- Aerobic
- Anaerobic
- Microaerophilic
- Facultative anaerobic
Answer: B. Clostridium perfringens is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it can only grow and multiply in the absence of oxygen.
The organism Clostridium perfringens multiplies in foods only under ________ conditions.
- aerobic
- freezing
- perfringens is an obligate/aerotolerant anaerobe; it requires an oxygen-poor environment (e.g., improperly cooled cooked meats) to…
- saline
- permissive Answer:
Answer: A. * ---
All of the following statements regarding Clostridium perfringens are correct EXCEPT
- Clostridioides difficile
- It produces a double zone of β-hemolysis when grown on blood agar
- Some strains are aerotolerant
- It is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- It can cause intravascular hemolysis
Answer: A. Clostridioides difficile is the primary cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. ---
The organism Clostridium perfringens multiplies in foods only under conditions
- Freezing
- Anaerobic
- Saline
- Permissive
- Limited to a single tissue compartment
Answer: B. Clostridium perfringens is an obligate anaerobe that multiplies rapidly in foods under anaerobic conditions. Its spores survive cooking and germinate when oxygen is excluded, leading to rapid multiplication in improperly stored cooked foods. ---
The organism Clostridium perfringens multiplies in foods only under conditions.
- Aerobic
- Freezing
- Anaerobic
- Saline
- Permissive
Answer: A. Clostridium perfringens is an obligate anaerobe that multiplies only in oxygen-free environments. Improper food storage (inadequate cooling or reheating) creates anaerobic conditions that allow spore germination and toxin production, leading to food poisoning. ---