Clostridium septicum bacteremia without gas gangrene as a late consequence of a contaminated wound

Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2004 Fall;5(3):315-7. doi: 10.1089/sur.2004.5.315.

Abstract

Background: Clostridium septicum is an unusual human pathogen associated with colorectal malignancy and gas gangrene.

Methods: A case compilation and literature review are presented.

Results: We report the case of an individual with a comminuted tibial fracture complicated by a superficial surgical site infection with C. septicum nine weeks after the original injury and internal fixation, which was complicated by a secondary bacteremia.

Conclusions: This is a unique case in the literature, but it is suggested that the use of cephalosporins as prophylaxis for contaminated wounds may be inferior to penicillins to prevent clostridial infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacteremia / diagnosis*
  • Bacteremia / drug therapy
  • Clostridium / classification
  • Clostridium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Clostridium Infections / drug therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Fibula / injuries*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Gas Gangrene
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Leg Injuries / diagnosis
  • Leg Injuries / surgery
  • Male
  • Multiple Trauma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Trauma / surgery
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / therapy
  • Tibial Fractures / diagnosis
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents