- Alpha toxin - lecithinase that lyses erythrocytes, platelets,leukocytes, and endothelial cells; this toxin mediates massive hemolysis, increased vascular permeability and bleeding (augmented by the destruction of platelets), tissue destruction, hepatic toxicity, and myocardial dysfunction (bradycardia, hypotension)- Beta toxin -responsible for intestinal stasis, loss of mucosa with the formation of necrotic lesions, and progression to necrotising enteritis- Epsilon toxin - activated by trypsin and increases the vascular permeability of the GI wall- Iota toxin - necrotic activity and increases vascular permeability- (Some strains of C. perfringens produce enterotoxin)Their role in the pathogenesis of infections:soft-tissue infections:- Cellulitis- fasciitis or suppurative myositis- myonecrosis with the gas formation in the soft tissue (gas gangrene) ® life-threatening disease- Clostridial food poisoning- Necrotizing enteritis (enteritis necroticans) - a rare necrotising process in the jejunum characterised by acute abdominal pain

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