title: Clostridium novyi, sordellii, and tetani: mechanisms of disease.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Reproductive Sciences Program, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States. Electronic address: daronoff@umich.edu.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Aronoff
mesh_terms: D003013:Clostridium / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013742:Tetanus / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: Large clostridial cytotoxins; Tetanus; Toxic shock syndrome