What is the gas in gas gangrene?

Bacteria called Clostridia cause gas gangrene. These bacteria create an infection that causes gas bubbles and toxins to develop inside the affected area. The resulting gases cause tissue death.

What is spontaneous gas gangrene?

Introduction. Gas gangrene, or clostridial myonecrosis, is one of the most serious infectious diseases, characterized by rapidly progressive destruction of soft tissue and production of gas within the tissues. It is usually caused by traumatic injury, however spontaneous gas gangrene (SGG) is rarely reported [1].

How does Clostridium perfringens cause gas gangrene?

Clostridium is found nearly everywhere. As the bacteria grow inside the body, it makes gas and harmful substances (toxins) that can damage body tissues, cells, and blood vessels. Gas gangrene develops suddenly. It usually occurs at the site of trauma or a recent surgical wound.

What type of necrosis is gas gangrene?

Myonecrosis is a condition of necrotic damage, specific to muscle tissue. It is often seen in infections with C. perfringens or any of myriad soil-borne anaerobic bacteria. Bacteria cause myonecrosis by specific exotoxins.

How do you stop gas gangrene?

Prevention of gas gangrene is accomplished by early, adequate debridement of wounds. Prophylactic serotherapy or antibiotic therapy is ineffective. Primary treatment of established gas gangrene is surgical decompression or amputation of the involved part.

What causes a person to die from gas gangrene?

Gas gangrene is a deadly form of tissue death. It usually develops in case of deep, penetrating wounds. Gas gangrene or clostridial myonecrosis is a muscle tissue infection caused by toxin-producing germs called clostridia. Louis Pasteur identified the first species of clostridia, Clostridium butyricum, in the year 1861.

What are the different types of gangrene disease?

Types of gangrene Dry gangrene. Wet gangrene. Gas gangrene. Internal gangrene. Fournier’s gangrene. Progressive bacterial synergistic gangrene (Meleney’s gangrene).

What are the symptoms of gas gangrene on the skin?

Distinctively, black lesions on the skin appear in a bubble form which allows visualization of gas-producing bacteria. Symptoms include: Clostridium species produce more toxins and exhibit higher degrees of virulence than any other bacterial taxon.

Why are hypoxic tissues more susceptible to gas gangrene?

Since Clostridium is an obligate anaerobe taxon, the bacterium infects hypoxic tissues, which had become anaerobic due to restricted blood flow, degradation of blood vessels, or atherosclerosis. Immunocompromised individuals exhibit higher susceptibility for infection and higher mortality rates.