Anaerobic Cellulitis and Gas Gangrene

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Abstract
A clear distinction should be made between infection by gas-producing anerobes of the cellular connective tissue or anerobic cellulitis, usually called "local gas gangrene," and infection of muscle or true gas gangrene. In anerobic cellulitis gas forms in the wound but there is no muscle gangrene, and patients may sometimes recover without active treatment. The infection may spread to fascia planes for some distance, but in the absence of badly damaged muscle the infection is confined to cellular tissue. There is none of the characteristic odor of true gas gangrene which is correlated with muscle necrosis. This is stressed. True gas gangrene always has a musty or mouse-like odor and may be classed as affecting single muscle, group of muscles, segment of a limb and fulminating. Typical cases of anerobic cellulitis and gas gangrene are described. General and local clinical signs are discussed, predisposing factors and prophylaxis. For treatment of true gas gangrene one or all of 4 methods may be required, excision or amputation, sulfonamides, particularly local application, and inj. of antisera, especially intramusc. around the wound. 20 references.

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