Clostridium perfringens who is at risk

Gas gangrene can occur when deep wounds are contaminated with foreign objects containing the bacteria. In , C. In both types of illness, the symptoms are caused by a toxin that is produced by the bacteria.

When large numbers of vegetative C. When C. Gas gangrene is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention. Other complications of the infection from wound contamination include shock and multi-organ failure. Food poisoning associated with C. Necrotizing enteritis may occur in rare cases with other types of C.

The disease usually is over within 24 hours. Less severe symptoms may last for 1 or 2 weeks. Your doctor will do a medical history and physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms, foods you have recently eaten, and your work and home environments.

A stool culture and blood tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. You treat C. Dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting is the most common complication. Do not use medicines, including antibiotics and other treatments, unless your doctor recommends them.

To prevent dehydration, take frequent sips of a rehydration drink such as Pedialyte. Try to drink a cup of water or rehydration drink for each large, loose stool you have.

You can also use a sports drink, such as Gatorade. Soda and fruit juices have too much sugar and not enough of the important electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea, and they should not be used to rehydrate. Try to stay with a healthy diet as much as possible. Eating healthy foods will help you to get enough nutrition.

Doctors believe that eating a healthy diet will also help you feel better faster. But try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee for 2 days after all symptoms have disappeared.

You can prevent C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is important to pay particular attention to food preparation and storage during warm months when food is often served outside. Bacteria grow faster in warmer weather, so food can spoil more quickly and possibly cause illness. Current as of: September 23, Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. Foods at higher risk of contamination include meat and poultry, thickened sauces gravies, etc and pre-cooked foods, especially spiced and herbed dishes.

What's the risk? Anyone can get sick with C. Reduce your risk Cook food thoroughly and serve it immediately or keep it hot 60oC or hotter before serving Cool cooked food quickly if it is going to be stored and used later: put it in the fridge or freezer as soon as it stops steaming divide large amounts of hot food into smaller containers to let it cool faster Make sure your fridge is running at 5oC or colder Leftovers in the fridge should be eaten within days or within 1 day for vulnerable people Reheat cooked food quickly with a microwave or stovetop to 75oC Wash your hands with soap and dry them before preparing and eating food Keep your kitchen and equipment clean.

Copyright Disclaimer Privacy policy Site map.