Which condition is primarily caused by Clostridium perfringens?

Clostridium perfringens is primarily associated with food poisoning, specifically a type of foodborne illness that results from consuming foods contaminated with the bacteria or its toxins. This organism multiplies rapidly in foods that are inadequately stored, particularly meats and gravies. When ingested, the toxin produced by C. perfringens can lead to symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, typically occurring within a few hours after consumption.

The other conditions listed are linked to different pathogens or mechanisms. Neonatal meningitis is usually caused by bacteria like Streptococcus agalactiae or Escherichia coli. Pseudomembranous colitis is primarily associated with Clostridium difficile, another type of Clostridium species, often following antibiotic therapy. Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a severe condition resulting from septicemia, most commonly related to Neisseria meningitidis. These associations underline the specific role that Clostridium perfringens plays in food poisoning, distinguishing it from other conditions linked to different organisms.