Clostridium perfringens septicemia and acute leukemia

Three cases of fatal clostridial septicemia in patients with acute leukemia are described. Predisposing factors and treatment are discussed. Clostridium septicemia should always be suspected when a patient with neutropenia suddenly develops diffuse abdominal pain, fever, and tachycardia over 120/min. The importance of early treatment with penicillin or another adequate antibiotic is discussed.