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
  • Intra-abdominal abscess
  • Fatal bacteremia with massive exotoxin-mediated hemolysis
  • Foodborne self-limited gastrointestinal illness
  • Surgical debridement of devitalized tissue crucial
  • IVIG and hyperbaric oxygen may be considered but lack of rigorous studies to support routine use