Journal
ANAEROBE
Volume 18, Issue 2, Pages 254-259Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2011.11.001
Keywords
Gas gangrene; Toxic shock syndrome; Clostridium; Myonecrosis
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Life-threatening soft tissue infections caused by Clostridium species have been described in the medical literature for hundreds of years largely because of their fulminant nature, distinctive clinical presentations and complex management issues. The Clostridium species perfringens, septicum and histolyticum are the principal causes of trauma-associated gas gangrene and their incidence increases dramatically in times of war, hurricanes, earthquakes and other mass casualty conditions. Recently, there has also been an increased incidence of spontaneous gas gangrene caused by Clostridium septicum in association with gastrointestinal abnormalities and neutropenia. Similarly, over the last 15 years there has been increased recognition of a toxic shock-like syndrome associated with Clostridium sordellii in individuals skin-popping black tar heroin, in women undergoing childbirth or other gynecologic procedures including medically-induced abortion. Like their cousins Clostridium tetanus and Clostridium botulinum, the pathogenesis of these clostridial infections is largely the consequence of potent exotoxin production. Strategies to inhibit toxin production, neutralize circulating toxins and prevent their interaction with cells of the innate immune response are sorely needed. Recent studies have elucidated novel targets that may hold promise for newer therapeutic modalities. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available