The genus Clostridioides was created to describe a few species formerly in the genus Clostridium which have been shown to be their own genetically distinct genus using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis.[1] However, both names are still in use and valid under the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes.[2]
Since C. mangenotii was further separated into a distinct genus in 2024,[3]Clostridioides is a monotypic genus.
They are obligate anaerobes capable of producing endospores. The normal, reproducing cells of Clostridioides, called the vegetative form, are rod-shaped, which gives them their name, from the Greek κλωστήρ or spindle. Clostridioides endospores, like Clostridium endospores, have a distinct bowling pin or bottle shape, distinguishing them from other bacterial endospores, which are usually ovoid in shape.[citation needed]
^Lawson, Paul A.; Citron, Diane M.; Tyrrell, Kerin L.; Finegold, Sydney M. (August 2016). "Reclassification of Clostridium difficile as Clostridioides difficile (Hall and O'Toole 1935) Prévot 1938". Anaerobe. 40: 95–99. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.06.008. PMID27370902.
