Question

Gas gangrene is caused by
A. Streptococcus pyogenes
B. Treponema pallidum
C. Clostridium perfringens
D. Salmonella dublin

Answer 1

Hint: Gas gangrene is a bacterial infection that produces tissue gas in gangrene. Gangrene generally means death of tissues due to lack of blood supply. Gas gangrene is a virulent form of dry gangrene.

Complete answer:
Gas gangrene is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium perfringens. Gangrene means death of a tissue and gas gangrene is associated with death of a tissue by production of toxins by the bacteria of Clostridium species. This bacterial infection produces gas and causes death of the tissue and hence the name “gas” gangrene.
The most common of them is Clostridium perfringens along with C. novyi and C. septicum.
Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive bacterium. It is central spore bearing, non-motile and capsulated.
The source of infection is usually contaminated, manured or cultivated soils; anaerobic environments; open wounds from a surgery or an injury may come in contact with the bacteria
Gas gangrene mostly affects the arms or legs rather than any other parts of the body but they are equally at threat if came in contact with this bacterium. There are chances of developing gangrene if the person is suffering from diabetes or hardened arteries.
Its symptoms are usually including-
> Increased heart rate
> Fever
> Skin in the affected area becomes pale and later changes to dark to purple
> Vomiting
> Pain in the affected area
> Foul smelling discharge
Its treatment includes high dose antibiotics and surgery to remove the dead tissue from the affected area.

Hence, the correct answer to this question will be option ‘C’- Clostridium perfringens.

Note: In context with the above discussed topic, if gas gangrene is suspected in the body and no treatment is provided up to 48 hours, it may become life threatening. It can be prevented by practicing proper hygiene. At the time of any injury make sure to clean the wound by antiseptic solution properly and cover with a bandage so as to avoid infection.