Clostridium perfringens strain EHE-NE18

Clostridium perfringens strain EHE-NE18 is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, mesophilic bacterium characterized by its rod shape and flagella presence, which contributes to its mobility. This strain is a chemoorganotroph, deriving energy from organic compounds, and it typically resides in host-associated environments. C. perfringens EHE-NE18 can be found in various hosts, including Homo sapiens, Gallus gallus, Bos, and others across multiple taxa, indicating a broad ecological niche. The bacterium has a simple cellular structure with a single membrane and one replicon, and it commonly exists in pairs, singles, or chains. Optimal growth occurs at 37°C, aligning with the body temperature of many of its hosts, which may facilitate its pathogenicity. C. perfringens EHE-NE18 is associated with a range of health effects, including severe gastrointestinal illnesses such as food poisoning, enteritis, and necrotizing enteritis. It is known to cause significant health issues in both humans and animals, including liver abscesses, sepsis, and various forms of enterotoxaemia. The organism's pathogenicity extends to causing conditions like gas gangrene and acute necrotic enteritis, which can lead to fatal outcomes in severe cases. Understanding the ecological relationship of C. perfringens EHE-NE18 highlights its role as a free-living organism that thrives in diverse environments, but also emphasizes its potential to cause serious health issues, particularly in foodborne contexts. This duality underlines the importance of monitoring and controlling its presence in food and agricultural systems.