In culture, Clostridium perfringens typically shows which characteristic?

In culture, Clostridium perfringens typically shows which characteristic?

• A. Spindle-shaped colonies
• B. Double zone of hemolysis
• C. Small, white colonies
• D. Greenish discoloration

Answer: (B)

Clostridium perfringens is known for its distinct double zone of hemolysis on blood agar plates. This characteristic occurs due to the organism's production of various hemolysins, specifically alpha-toxin, which can lyse red blood cells. The double zone consists of a clear zone surrounding the colony, indicating complete lysis of red blood cells, and a more turbid zone indicating incomplete lysis, which gives it this unique appearance. This feature is particularly valuable in differentiating C. perfringens from other bacteria in the laboratory setting, as few other organisms exhibit this specific double zone of hemolysis pattern. Understanding this characteristic aids in accurate identification and diagnosis of infections caused by this pathogen, which is critical given its association with food poisoning and gas gangrene. While the other choices may describe colonies from various organisms or different characteristics entirely, they do not accurately reflect the key identifying feature of Clostridium perfringens in culture.

Clostridium perfringens is known for its distinct double zone of hemolysis on blood agar plates. This characteristic occurs due to the organism's production of various hemolysins, specifically alpha-toxin, which can lyse red blood cells. The double zone consists of a clear zone surrounding the colony, indicating complete lysis of red blood cells, and a more turbid zone indicating incomplete lysis, which gives it this unique appearance.

This feature is particularly valuable in differentiating C. perfringens from other bacteria in the laboratory setting, as few other organisms exhibit this specific double zone of hemolysis pattern. Understanding this characteristic aids in accurate identification and diagnosis of infections caused by this pathogen, which is critical given its association with food poisoning and gas gangrene.

While the other choices may describe colonies from various organisms or different characteristics entirely, they do not accurately reflect the key identifying feature of Clostridium perfringens in culture.