Clostridium novyi, sordellii, and tetani: Mechanisms of disease

• This is a succinct review of diseases caused by three toxigenic clostridia.
• The signs and symptoms of tetanus are cause by Clostridium tetani, neurotoxin.
• Clostridium novyi causes toxic shock through the actions of its α-toxin.
• Clostridium sordellii intoxicates the host to cause shock via lethal and hemorrhagic toxins.

Clostridia represent a diverse group of spore-forming gram positive anaerobes that include several pathogenic species. In general, diseases caused by clostridia are a result of intoxication of the infected host. Thus, clostridial toxins have been targeted for diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies against infection. Studying the mechanisms of action of clostridial toxins has not only shed light on the pathogenesis of infection but has provided important new insights into cell biology and immunology. A primary purpose of this manuscript is to provide a succinct review on the mechanisms of disease caused by intoxication by the pathogens Clostridium tetani, Clostridium novyi, and Clostridium sordellii.