Please note: This is for information only.

Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations

 

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• Large Gram positive anaerobes that forms spores.

Main Clinical Infections:

• Gas gangrene, a complication of wound infection.
• Rapidly spreading oedema, myositis, tissue necrosis and gas production resulting in crepitus of adjacent tissues and profound toxaemia.
• Food Poisoning - from contaminated undercooked meat.
• C. perfringens colitis
• Similar to C. difficile colitis.
• Affects elderly patients on antibiotics
• Treatment of Gas gangrene:
• Surgical debridement of wound necessary.
• Hyperbaric oxygen may be useful

Usually sensitive to:

• Penicillins
• Cefuroxime
• Co-amoxiclav
• Piptazobactam
• Vancomycin
• Metronidazole
• Clindamycin
• Meropenem / Imipenem

Usually resistant to:

• Quinolones (levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin)
• Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin)