Chapter 135. Gas Gangrene and Other Clostridial Infections (Part 2)

Clinical Manifestations Intestinal Disorders Food Poisoning C. perfringens, primarily type A, is the second or third most common cause of food poisoning in the United States (Chap. 122). The responsible toxin is thought to be a cytotoxin produced by 75% of strains isolated from cases of foodborne disease. The cytotoxin binds to a receptor on the small-bowel brush border and induces a calcium ion–dependent alteration in permeability. The associated loss of ions alters intracellular metabolism, resulting in cell death. Outbreaks generally have resulted from problems in the cooling and storage of food cooked in bulk. The food sources primarily involved are...