is a
Bacteria l
Infection that produces
Gas within
Tissue s in
Gangrene . It is a deadly form of gangrene usually caused by
Clostridium bacteria. It is a
Medical Emergency .
Gas gangrene can cause
Myonecrosis , gas production, and
Sepsis . Progression to
Toxemia and
Shock is often very rapid.
Gas gangrene is caused by
Exotoxin -producing
Clostridial species (most often ''
Clostridium Perfringens ''), which is mostly found in soil but also found as normal
Gut Flora , and other
Anaerobe s (e.g. ''
Bacteroides '' and anaerobic
Streptococci ). The exotoxin is commonly found in ''C. perfringens'' type A strain and is known as
Alpha Toxin . These environmental bacteria may enter the muscle through a wound and go on to proliferate in necrotic tissue and secrete powerful toxins. These toxins destroy nearby tissue, generating gas at the same time.
