Clostridium perfringens Overview of Clostridial Infections Clostridia are bacteria that commonly reside in the intestine of healthy adults and newborns. Clostridia also reside in animals, soil, and decaying vegetation. These bacteria produce spores... read more is a bacteria that causes several disorders, including gastroenteritis Overview of Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small and large intestines. It is usually caused by infection with a microorganism but can also be caused by ingestion of chemical... read more 
. Some strains cause mild to moderate gastroenteritis that gets better without treatment, whereas other strains cause severe disease that can damage the small intestine and sometimes lead to death. Contaminated beef, poultry, gravies, and dried or precooked foods are usually responsible for outbreaks of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning. Some strains cannot be destroyed by cooking the food thoroughly, whereas others can.
Symptoms of Clostridial Food Poisoning
The gastroenteritis starts about 6 to 24 hours after contaminated food is eaten. The most common symptoms are watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Although usually mild, the infection also can cause abdominal pain, abdominal expansion (distention) from gas, severe diarrhea, dehydration, and a severe decrease in blood pressure (shock Shock Shock is a life-threatening condition in which blood flow to the organs is low, decreasing delivery of oxygen and thus causing organ damage and sometimes death. Blood pressure is usually low... read more ). Symptoms of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning usually last about 24 hours.
Diagnosis of Clostridial Food Poisoning
A doctor's evaluation
Sometimes testing contaminated food or stool
A doctor usually suspects the diagnosis of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning when a local outbreak of the disease has occurred. The diagnosis is confirmed by testing contaminated food or stool samples from infected people for Clostridium perfringens.
Treatment of Clostridial Food Poisoning
Fluids and rest
The person is given fluids and is encouraged to rest. Antibiotics are not given.
Prevention of Clostridial Food Poisoning
Prompt refrigeration and thorough reheating of leftovers
To prevent infection, leftover cooked meat should be refrigerated promptly and reheated thoroughly before serving.
