| Death of tissue caused by certain toxin-producing bacteria, most often Clostridium septicum. These bacteria are present in soil and in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans. Infection can start from direct inoculation of a wound, or spontaneously in diabetics and the immunocompromised. The toxins and gasses released by this bacteria create an environment conducive to the replication of more bacteria. For this reason, the infection can spread throughout the body at speeds of up to 1 inch per hour. Symptoms include: foul or sweet smelling discharge, brown or bronze skin discoloration, fever (early in infection), delirium, and edema. Oxygen therapy is a useful treatment for this disease. |
