Non-spore-forming clostridial bacteremia.

The significance of the non-spore-forming clostridium as a blood-borne pathogen has been underemphasized. Over a 7-year period, these bacteria were cultured 40 times in 30 patients. Overall mortality rate for non-spore-forming clostridial bacteremia was 39%. Patients with polymicrobial infections had a 58% mortality rate, while those with only clostridium in their blood had a mortality of 23%. Mortality increased as the number of positive cultures. Patients who were clinically septic at the time of their cultures fared poorly. Advanced age and underlying malignant disease were associated with increased mortality. Patients who have positive blood cultures for non-spore-forming clostridium are at a significant risk and should be treated aggressively.