Gas gangrene in mammals: a review

Abstract

Gas gangrene is a necrotizing infection of subcutaneous tissue and muscle that affects mainly ruminants and horses, but also other domestic and wild mammals. Clostridium chauvoei, C. septicum, C. novyi type A, C. perfringens type A, and C. sordellii are the etiologic agents of this disease, acting singly or in combination. Although a presumptive diagnosis of gas gangrene can be established based on clinical history, clinical signs, and gross and microscopic changes, identification of the clostridia involved is required for confirmatory diagnosis. Gross and microscopic lesions are, however, highly suggestive of the disease. Although the disease has a worldwide distribution and can cause significant economic losses, the literature is limited mostly to case reports. Thus, we have reviewed the current knowledge of gas gangrene in mammals.

Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis: Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in three Golden Retriever dogs

“…[21][22][23][24][25][26] Either in human or veterinary medicine, the most common malignant causes of intraparenchymal gas gangrene are primary abscesses or infected neoplasms both due to gas-producing bacteria. 7,[13][14][15][27][28][29][30] Based on our review of the literature, the cases of intraparenchymal splenic gas described in veterinary medicine have been caused by air embolism secondary to visceral torsion or infarction. [16][17][18][19] In one canine patient, Clostridium spp.…”

“…In human medicine, benign causes are iatrogenic inoculation by recent fine needle aspirations or surgeries, aseptic tissue infarctions, enteric fistulae, and reflux from an adjacent hollow viscus 21–26 . Either in human or veterinary medicine, the most common malignant causes of intraparenchymal gas gangrene are primary abscesses or infected neoplasms both due to gas‐producing bacteria 7,13–15,27–30 . Based on our review of the literature, the cases of intraparenchymal splenic gas described in veterinary medicine have been caused by air embolism secondary to visceral torsion or infarction 16–19 .…”

“…It has been reported that Clostridium spp. most likely invades the hepatobiliary system, with the following mechanism: when the mucosal reticuloendothelial system is damaged, this pathogen can invade the portal vein and consequently the splenic vein causing systemic bacteraemia 14–15 . Similar diseases have been rarely reported in veterinary medicine secondary to torsion and/or infarction 16–19 .…”

First Comparative Analysis of Clostridium septicum Genomes Provides Insights Into the Taxonomy, Species Genetic Diversity, and Virulence Related to Gas Gangrene

“…Rare outbreaks in animals due to injection of contaminated vaccines or other medical interventions have also been reported ( Morris et al, 2002 ). Clostridium septicum infections leading to vulvovaginitis and metritis after parturition (post parturient malignant oedema) in cattle ( Odani et al, 2009 ; Junior et al, 2020 ) and necrotizing abomasitis (braxy) in lambs and calves were reported ( Schamber et al, 1986 ; Glenn Songer, 2009 ). In humans, C. septicum was reported to cause atraumatic gas gangrene in immune-compromised patients ( Barnes et al, 2004 ).…”

Essential oil combinations against Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium septicum ‐ the causative agents of gas gangrene

“…Clostridium perfringens and C. septicum are anaerobic, Gram-positive rod-shaped bacilli which have previously been isolated and identified in various diseases such as infections of the gut of humans and ruminants, foodborne illnesses, necrotic enteritis among other infections (Choi et al 2020;Hamad et al 2020;Harry et al 2020;Lu et al 2020). The pathogens have also been isolated for gangrenous infections, aortitis, and pneumorachis (Junior et al 2020;Ranchal et al 2020;Wongboonsin et al 2020).…”