| Clostridium sporogenes | |
|---|---|
| Clostridium botulinum stained with gentian violet. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Class: | Clostridia |
| Order: | Clostridiales |
| Family: | Clostridiaceae |
| Genus: | Clostridium |
| Species: | C. sporogenes |
| Binomial name | |
| Clostridium sporogenes (Metchnikoff 1908) Bergey et al. 1923[1] |
|
Clostridium sporogenes is the name given to strains of Clostridium botulinum that do not produce botulinum neurotoxins. Like other strains of C. botulinum, it is an anaerobic Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that produces oval, subterminal endospores and is commonly found in soil. It is being investigated as a way to deliver cancer-treating drugs to tumours in patients.[2]
C. sporogenes is often used as a surrogate for C. botulinum when testing the efficacy of commercial sterilisation.[3]