Gas Gangrane
Gas gangrene is highly infectious disease caused by bacteria clostridium perfringens.
Gas gangrene is a bacterial infection, characterized by necrotizing soft tissue of skeletal muscle and production of foul-smelling gas. This bacteria clostridium perfringens grow only in the absence of oxygen.
This bacteria release gas and harmful substances that damage body tissues, blood vessels.
Gas gangrane usually occurs at the site of trauma or a recent surgical wound, any injury.
The bacterial infection produces toxins that release gas and cause tissue necrosis.
Gas Gangrane infection is most commonly affects the arms or legs.
Causative Agent; Clostridium perfringens
Etiology
1. Lack of blood supply
2. Untreated bacterial infection
3. Traumatic injury
4. Injury or surgical wound
Clinical Manifestation
1. Drainage from the tissues
2. Foul-smelling/ subcutaneous gas
3. Blisters
3. Skin turned Brown-red
4. Moderate to severe pain around a skin injury
5. Tenderness
6. Local swelling to massive edema
Pathophysiology
Bacterial infection occurs in at site of injury
Bacteria make a colony and grow inside the body
Bacteria emits gas and release toxins
Damaging the body tissues and blood vessels
Lab Diagnosis
1. X-rays
2. Computerized tomography (CT) scans
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
4. Gas bubbles in muscle tissue
5. Performing a tissue biopsy
Prevention
1. Clean wounds thoroughly
2. Remove foreign objects and dead tissue from wounds.
Treatment
Antibiotics; metronidazole
Surgical debridement
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
