Clostridium septicum bacteremia without gas gangrene as a late consequence of a contaminated wound.

BACKGROUND

Clostridium septicum is an unusual human pathogen associated with colorectal malignancy and gas gangrene.

METHODS

A case compilation and literature review are presented.

RESULTS

We report the case of an individual with a comminuted tibial fracture complicated by a superficial surgical site infection with C. septicum nine weeks after the original injury and internal fixation, which was complicated by a secondary bacteremia.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a unique case in the literature, but it is suggested that the use of cephalosporins as prophylaxis for contaminated wounds may be inferior to penicillins to prevent clostridial infections.