How can someone come into contact with Clostridium perfringens toxins?
Clostridium perfringens toxins cannot be spread from person to person and they do not grow or increase in number in the body. They can be produced from bacteria found everywhere in the environment. They are most commonly associated with food poisoning, which can happen when – • People swallow a large amount of the bacteria, which then multiply and produce toxin in the intestine; or • People eat contaminated food with the toxin already in it. Clostridium perfringens toxins as weapons: The toxins can be purified into a concentrated form. They would most likely be aerosolized, although they could also be placed in water or food. Please note: Just because you come into contact with a Clostridium perfringens toxin does not mean you will get sick from it. What happens when someone gets sick from Clostridium perfringens toxins ? • Food poisoning: C rampy stomach pain followed by diarrhea may begin six to 24 hours after eating contaminated food. Nausea is common, but fever and vomiting usually
