Clostridia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clostridia
Clostridium botulinum
Scientific classification
Domain:	Bacteria
Phylum:	Firmicutes
Class:	Clostridia Rainey 2010
Orders
Clostridiales Caldicoprobacteraceae Catabacteriaceae Christensenellaceae Clostridiaceae Defluviitaleaceae Eubacteriaceae Gracilibacteraceae Heliobacteriaceae Hungateiclostridiaceae Lachnospiraceae Oscillospiraceae Peptococcaceae Peptostreptococcaceae Proteinivoraceae Ruminococcaceae Symbiobacteriaceae Syntrophomonadaceae Vallitaleaceae Halanaerobiales Halanaerobiaceae Halobacteroidaceae Natranaerobiales Natranaerobiaceae Thermoanaerobacteriales Thermoanaerobacteraceae Thermodesulfobiaceae "Ca. Borkfalkiales" "Ca. Borkfalkiaceae"

The Clostridia are a group of tiny living things called bacteria. They are part of a larger family known as Firmicutes. You might know some of them, like Clostridium, which is a common type in this group.

What are Clostridia?

These bacteria are special because they are obligate anaerobes. This means they cannot live or grow when there is oxygen around. In fact, oxygen is like a poison to them! They don't use oxygen to "breathe" like we do.

Many Clostridia, especially those in the Clostridium group, are Gram-positive. This is a way scientists classify bacteria based on their cell walls. These bacteria can also form tough, protective covers called spores. Spores help them survive in harsh conditions.

Where Clostridia Live

Most types of Clostridium are saprophytic organisms. This means they get their food from dead or decaying plants and animals. You can find them in many places, especially in the soil.

Clostridia and Health

While many Clostridia are harmless, some types can cause problems for humans. These are called pathogens. They can produce very strong toxins (poisons) that are among the most dangerous known.

For example, C. tetani makes a toxin that causes tetanus. This is a serious illness that affects your muscles. Another example is C. botulinum, which produces the botulinum toxin. This toxin can cause botulism, a rare but severe illness.

Important Clostridia Species

Here are some well-known types of Clostridia:

• Clostridium perfringens: This can cause gangrene (a serious tissue infection) and food poisoning.
• Clostridium difficile: This bacterium can lead to a severe gut infection called pseudomembranous colitis.
• Clostridium tetani: This is the bacterium that causes tetanus.
• Clostridium botulinum: This one causes botulism.
• Clostridium acetobutylicum
• Clostridium haemolyticum
• Clostridium novyi
• Clostridium oedematiens

Did you know that Heliobacteria are also part of the Clostridia group?

See also

In Spanish: Clostridia para niños