Pathogenesis (disease development)
Clostridia are found worldwide. They occur primarily in soil. However, they also occur physiologically in the intestinal flora and genital flora of women.
Clostridia are toxin- and spore-forming bacteria that are obligate anaerobes (organisms that do not require free oxygen to live).
Factors favoring gas gangrene infection are:
- Restricted blood supply to the affected body region (e.g., due to diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, etc.).
- Malnutrition (endogenous infection)
- Mixed infections with other anaerobes or enterobacteria.
Etiology (causes)
Behavioral causes
Drug use
- Injections of contaminated drugs
Disease-related causes
Injuries, poisonings, and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98).
- Intestinal injuries
- Contamination of wounds
Further
- Operations with non-sterile instruments
