Pathogens
Clostridium perfringens

Clostridium perfringens

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

Susceptibilities

General Information

Anaerobic spore forming gram positive bacilli, box-car shaped.

Environmental (soil, water) organism as well as human/animal digestive tract.

Associated with penetrating wounds with environmental exposure.

  • Gas gangrene/Clostridial myonecrosis
  • Necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection
  • Septic abortion
  • Intra-abdominal abscess
  • Fatal bacteremia with massive exotoxin-mediated hemolysis
  • Foodborne self-limited gastrointestinal illness

Contact precautions while draining wound present.

Surgical debridement of devitalized tissue crucial.

IVIG and hyperbaric oxygen may be considered but lack of rigorous studies to support routine use.