1. A genus of rod-shaped, anaerobic bacteria that can form protective spores; some species produce toxins that cause disease in humans and animals.
Usage: scientific/medical term; typically used in singular or plural form 'clostridia'

Examples

• Clostridium botulinum produces a toxin that causes botulism, a serious form of food poisoning.
• Clostridium difficile infections are a common concern in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• The spores of clostridium bacteria can survive extreme heat and harsh conditions.
• Clostridium tetani is the bacterium responsible for tetanus disease.
• Researchers studied how clostridium species colonize the human gut microbiome.