Gas gangrene

Gas gangrene is a necrotizing clostridial infection of soft tissues that affects several mammalian and avian species. The disease is produced by several Clostridia, including Clostridium septicum , Clostridium chauvoei , Clostridium novyi type A, Clostridium perfringens type A, and Paeniclostridium sordellii . These bacteria can be found in the environment and in the intestines of healthy animals and humans. The disease develops as a consequence of contamination of wounds with spores or vegetative forms of the mentioned Clostridia. This chapter discusses the current information regarding etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of this disease.