on the basis of certain major lethal toxin. in addition, types A and C are able to produce an enterotoxin associated with human gastroenteritis, but type A is the more common cause of foodborne illness
the organism is commonly found in the environment and is a frequent inhabitant od the intestinal tract of both humans and poultry. poultry carcasses can become contaminated from soil, feces, or hand of operatives during slaughtering and processing.