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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
09:21
A Ligated Intestinal Loop Model in Anesthetized Specific Pathogen Free Chickens to Study Clostridium Perfringens Virulence
Published on: October 11, 2018
Massive hemolysis in Clostridium perfringens infections
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|May 1, 1987
Summary
Clostridium perfringens sepsis can be fatal, particularly in patients with cancer. This infection can cause massive intravascular hemolysis, shock, and death, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Clostridium species are anaerobic bacteria that can cause various infections.
- Clostridium perfringens is a known cause of gas gangrene and food poisoning.
Observation:
- During a 14-month period, 52 strains of Clostridium perfringens were isolated from 41 patients.
- Eight strains were isolated from the blood of six patients, indicating bacteremia.
Findings:
- Five of the six patients with C. perfringens bacteremia had neoplastic disease.
- Three patients developed fatal outcomes characterized by massive intravascular hemolysis, shock, and rapid death.
- Clinical details of three fatal cases are presented, discussing presentation and pathophysiology.
Implications:
- Clostridium perfringens sepsis represents a severe and potentially lethal infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with cancer.
- The findings underscore the importance of recognizing C. perfringens as a cause of severe sepsis with hemolysis.
- Further research into the specific virulence factors and pathophysiological mechanisms of C. perfringens in sepsis is warranted.
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