[Rapid diagnosis in Clostridium perfringens wound infections]

Prompt and early microbiological differential diagnosis is essential for clinical presumptive diagnosis of gas gangrene. The differential diagnosis includes clostridial myositis (gas gangrene), clostridial cellulitis and other gas producing infections. Examination of Gram preparation (bacterioscopy) and detection of the etiologic agent in muscle specimens are necessary for diagnosis. Clostridium perfringens has been shown as the causative organism of gas gangrene. A method is reported which allows the screening and identification of Clostridium perfringens from clinical specimens in a few hours. Using a medium yielding optimal growth and toxin production, pure cultures are centrifuged and subjected to rapid tests (detection of beta-galactosidase, phospholipase C).