Gas Gangrene Definition - What is Gas Gangrene?

Gas gangrene is a type of moist gangrene that is usually a complication of a crushing injury.

What causes Gas Gangrene?

The infection is caused by the bacterium Clostridium welchii, which thrives without oxygen and releases a foul-smelling gas as well as a poisonous toxin.
The bacteria breed in the damaged tissue and spread rapidly to healthy tissue.

Gas Gangrene Symptoms

Symptoms of Gas Gangrene include a high fever, putrid-smelling pus, and the formation of gas bubbles under skin.
In case of Gas Gangrene, urgent hospitalization is necessary. Death occurs within about two days if the condition is not treated.