A 50-year-old female became infected with Clostridium bacteria and died a week later. Examination of her red blood cells revealed lysis of membranes and cause of death was ruled as shock. Which of the following was the most likely cause of her death?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lysis of red blood cells and shock, in addition to the infection with Clostridium bacteria, suggests that the cause of death was gas gangrene. Clostridium is a bacteria that produces gas gangrene, which involves rapid tissue necrosis, gas production, and subsequent shock. Fat necrosis and wet gangrene do not typically involve significant red blood cell lysis or shock. Gangrenous necrosis is a nonspecific term that could refer to a variety of types of tissue death, but in the context of the bacterial infection and shock, gas gangrene is the most likely cause.

A 50-Year-Old Female Became Infected with Clostridium Bacteria and Died