Clinicobacteriological study of gas gangrene

Out of 1040 cases of road side crush injuries 14 cases (1.3%) who developed gas gangrene clinically were studied bacteriologically. Clostridia accounted for 6 (42.86%) cases and non-clostridial anaerobes and aerobes for 4 (28.57%) cases each. Clostridium perfringens was found to be the commonest isolate but non-clostridial anaerobes and aerobes also formed a sizable number. It was concluded that for prevention of gas gangrene a proper surgical toilet and antibiotics at the time of injury were necessary and a smear examination might give a clue to early diagnosis.