[Clostridium perfringens]

Abstract

In Japan, Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is the top 5th or 6th pathogen of foodborne illnesses. Annually between 2006 and 2010, there were between 20 and 40 reported outbreaks of foodborne illnesses caused by C. perfringens. C. perfringens is found in soil and dust, in the intestinal tract humans and animals, on the surface of vegetable products. C. perfringens produces an enterotoxin that causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. Inappropriate food handing practice (inadequate heating, cooling and reheating) can lead to an outbreak. In general, clinical symptoms are mild and short duration. The diagnosis of C. perfringens food poisoning is based on either quantitative cultures of implicated foods or enterotoxin-positive stool specimens. Antibiotics are not indicated.