Clostridium species are gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic rods normally found in the soil and gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Spontaneous sepsis due to C. perfringens is not caused by injury, which sets it apart from the classical gas gangrene that typically follows trauma. Spontaneous C. perfringens sepsis often develops as a rapidly progressive intravascular hemolysis and metabolic acidosis, with high mortality rates of over 70% with standard intensive care. In such cases, alpha toxin secreted by C. perfringens is considered the main toxin responsible for intravascular hemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and multiple organ failure. Theta-toxin causes a cytokine cascade, which results in peripheral vasodilation similar to that seen in septic shock. For C. perfringens infections, antibiotics, such as high-dose penicillin, and surgical drainage as early as possible are the principal treatments of choice. However, considering the current mortality rate of sepsis, outcomes have not improved with the current standard treatment for C. perfringens infections. Monoclonal antibody against theta toxin in combination with gas gangrene antitoxin presents a promising therapeutic option.
Keywords: Clostridium perfringens; Sepsis; gas gangrene; intravascular hemolysis.