Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

At what oxygen tension does C. perfringens stop producing alpha toxin?

1. 150 mmHg

2. 200 mmHg

3. 250 mmHg

4. 300 mmHg

The correct answer is: 250 mmHg

C. perfringens is an anaerobic bacterium that can cause gas gangrene and other infections. One of its virulence factors is the production of alpha toxin, which plays a significant role in tissue destruction and contributes to the pathology associated with its infections. Research indicates that C. perfringens is sensitive to increasing levels of oxygen tension. Specifically, the production of alpha toxin is inhibited when oxygen tension reaches approximately 250 mmHg. Below this level, the bacterium can thrive in anaerobic conditions and produce toxins effectively. However, once the oxygen tension exceeds this threshold, the oxidative environment becomes detrimental to its survival and toxin production capabilities. Understanding the oxygen tolerance levels of C. perfringens is crucial for effective treatment of infections it causes, especially in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which applies higher oxygen tensions to promote healing and combat anaerobic bacterial infections.