Overview
Gas gangrene is a severe form of gangrene (tissue death) caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens. Patients with underlying vascular diseases are more prone to spontaneously develop gas gangrene, which is rapidly progressive and often fatal.
Review Date 12/31/2023
Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.