Gas gangrene results from infection by Clostridium perfringens (welchii) and other Clostridia - novyi, septicum.
Infection occurs due to the contamination of wounds by dirt and soil containing clostridia derived from animal faeces, and is favoured by extensive wounding with necrotic tissue, blood clot and foreign bodies, all of which cause anaeorobiasis. Vascular damage may impair blood supply to the site.
Occasionally, it complicates operations on bowel (Clostridium perfringens is a normal bowel inhabitant), mid-thigh amputation or vascular surgery on the ischaemic limb. Also it may be a complication of criminal abortion.
Clostridia produce powerful toxins which themselves produce tissue damage - and so anaerobiasis - and thus enhance the spread of the infection.
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