What characteristic is true for Clostridium difficile?

Clostridium difficile is primarily known for its ability to produce toxins, which are key factors in the pathogenesis of the infections it causes. The organism primarily produces two significant toxins: toxin A (an enterotoxin) and toxin B (a cytotoxin). These toxins are responsible for the inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, leading to symptoms associated with C. difficile infections, such as diarrhea and colitis. This toxin production is a crucial characteristic that distinguishes C. difficile from many other bacteria.

While C. difficile does grow under anaerobic conditions and can produce spores, the defining trait often emphasized in clinical microbiology is its toxin production, as this is directly linked to its virulence and the clinical manifestations of infection. Understanding the role of these toxins is essential for diagnosis and treatment, as detection of toxins in stool samples is a common method for confirming an infection.

The growth under anaerobic conditions is significant for its survival and ecological niche, as it is an obligately anaerobic bacterium. However, the presence of terminal spores and formation of chains of bacilli are not characteristics commonly associated with C. difficile in clinical or laboratory settings, as it tends to appear as single or paired organisms rather than chains. Thus, the emphasis on toxin