Which statement best describes toxin production in Clostridium perfringens?

• A. It produces only beta-toxin
• B. It produces alpha-toxin in all strains
• C. It produces epsilon-toxin in all strains
• D. It produces enterotoxin exclusively in foodborne outbreaks

Answer: (B)

Clostridium perfringens toxin production varies by toxinotype, but alpha-toxin is produced by all strains. This toxin acts as a phospholipase that disrupts cell membranes, contributing to the tissue damage seen in gas gangrene and other infections. Other toxins, like beta, epsilon, and iota, are found only in specific toxinotypes, not universally present in every strain. Enterotoxin is produced during sporulation by some strains and is associated with foodborne illness, but it is not produced by all strains and is not exclusive to foodborne outbreaks. So, the statement that alpha-toxin is produced by all strains best describes its toxin production across C. perfringens.