Clostridium septicum bacteremia without gas gangrene as a late consequence of a contaminated wound.
BACKGROUND
Clostridium septicum is an unusual human pathogen associated with colorectal malignancy and gas gangrene.


METHODS
A case compilation and literature review are presented.


RESULTS
We report the case of an individual with a comminuted tibial fracture complicated by a superficial surgical site infection with C. septicum nine weeks after the original injury and internal fixation, which was complicated by a secondary bacteremia.


CONCLUSIONS
This is a unique case in the literature, but it is suggested that the use of cephalosporins as prophylaxis for contaminated wounds may be inferior to penicillins to prevent clostridial infections.
Woolley
Ian J
IJ
Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. Ian.Woolley@med.monash.edu.au
Love
Robert L
RL
Street
Alan C
AC
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003013:Clostridium / Q000145:classification; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005738:Gas Gangrene; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents