Clostridium Perfringens

What is Clostridium perfringens?

Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) food poisoning is an illness you can get from eating food contaminated with C. perfringens bacteria. It’s usually not serious. It causes stomach cramps and watery diarrhea. Symptoms last for a day or two.

C. perfringens also causes more serious conditions when it infects wounds, including gas gangrene and anaerobic cellulitis.

How common is Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?

Food poisoning from C. perfringens is common. About 1 million people in the U.S. get sick from food contaminated with C. perfringens each year.

What are the symptoms of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?

Stomach cramps and watery diarrhea are common symptoms of C. perfringens food poisoning. It usually doesn’t cause vomiting or fever. Symptoms start six to 24 hours after you eat contaminated food.

What causes Clostridium perfringens?

Bacteria cause C. perfringens food poisoning. When you eat food contaminated with the bacteria, they release toxins into your gastrointestinal tract (intestines). The toxins cause inflammation (enteritis), leading to diarrhea and cramping.

How do you get Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?

You can get C. perfringens from eating food that’s been sitting out, even if it’s just for an hour or two. C. perfringens can create spores, which are like a protective suit that allows bacteria to survive extreme conditions, like heat or cold. These spores can’t reproduce, but they can contaminate food, even after it’s cooked. The bacteria then reproduce again when the food gets cool (between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4 and 60 degrees Celsius) for an hour or longer without being rewarmed or refrigerated.

What foods can be contaminated with C. perfringens?

C. perfringens is most commonly found in gravies, red meat (beef, pork) and poultry (chicken, turkey). It’s less common in fish and vegetables.

What are the complications of C. perfringens food poisoning?

C. perfringens food poisoning rarely leads to complications. But there’s a small risk of serious illness, including:

• Dehydration. Diarrhea can cause you to lose fluids faster than you’re able to replace them. Drinking water and broth can prevent dehydration, especially if you have mild diarrhea. If you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, you may need to see a healthcare provider so they can help you stay hydrated.
• Sepsis. If C. perfringens gets into your bloodstream, it can quickly destroy blood cells and cause sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection. It’s a very rare complication of food poisoning.

How is Clostridium perfringens diagnosed?

Providers usually diagnose food poisoning based on your symptoms. If they need to test you, you’ll provide a stool (poop) sample. Your provider will send your sample to a lab, where they’ll test it for C. perfringens and other germs that can make you sick. If there’s an outbreak of sickness, health officials may test food to find the source of the bacteria.

How is Clostridium perfringens food poisoning treated?

There’s no specific treatment for food poisoning caused by C. perfringens. It usually goes away on its own within a day or two. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

If you’re very sick, your provider will treat you with antibiotics. This usually isn’t necessary.

Can you prevent C. perfringens food poisoning?

You can avoid food poisoning by taking precautions when heating, storing and serving food, including:

• Washing your hands before and after preparing food or eating.
• Washing food prep and eating surfaces and utensils before and after use.
• Cooking foods to a safe temperature before eating (depending on the meat, 145 degrees F to 165 degrees F, or 62 degrees C to 73 degrees C).
• Keeping food below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) or above 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
• Refrigerating or freezing meat, poultry and seafood as soon as possible. Don’t leave prepared food out for longer than two hours.
• Avoiding eating food that’s been sitting out unheated for more than an hour.

What can I expect if I have C. perfringens?

C. perfringens food poisoning usually isn’t serious. Even without treatment, you should feel better within a couple of days.

How do I take care of myself?

Anytime you have diarrhea or are throwing up, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Fluids that help you stay hydrated include:

• Water.
• Sports drinks.
• 100% fruit juices with water added.
• Broth.
• Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte®).

What should I eat/drink with C. perfringens?

If you have diarrhea, avoid eating or drinking anything that can make it worse or lead to dehydration. This includes beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, and high-fiber foods. Eating simple foods, like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) might help calm your stomach.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

See a provider if your symptoms don’t get better within a few days or if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting.

When should I go to the ER?

Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms of serious illness, including:

• Confusion.
• Dark-colored pee (urine) or less pee than usual.
• Dizziness, weakness or light-headedness.
• Sudden or extreme shortness of breath.
• High heart rate (you feel like your heart is racing).
• Low blood pressure (you might feel like you’re going to faint).

What questions should I ask my doctor?

It might be helpful to ask a provider:

• What might’ve caused this?
• How do I keep myself hydrated?
• What new or worsening symptoms should I look out for?
• When should I follow up with you?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

C. perfringens food poisoning is common. It can be unpleasant, but it’s usually not serious. Drink plenty of fluids and don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you’re not getting better within a few days.