Clostridium perfringens extracellular toxins and enzymes: 20 and counting

Abstract

Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium that is widely distributed in the environment; it is found in soil and commonly inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals1,2. The ubiquitous nature of this bacterium has resulted in it becoming a major cause of histotoxic and enteric diseases3. The success of C. perfringens as both a pathogen and a commensal bacterium lies in its ability to produce a large number of potent toxins and extracellular enzymes4. This diverse toxin repertoire results in a broad range of diseases including gas gangrene, various enterotoxaemias, food poisoning and necrotic enteritis4–6. Since 2007, six new toxins have been identified, adding to the ever-increasing range of potential C. perfringens virulence determinants. This paper briefly reviews the plethora of toxins and extracellular enzymes produced by C. perfringens, highlighting their importance in disease and strain classification as well as introducing the latest additions to the ever increasing C. perfringens toxin family.