Clostridial ocular infections. Case report of gas gangrene panophthalmitis.

Introduction THERE has been recent interest in the ophthalmological and general medical literature on the prophylactic treatment of tetanus. However, tetanus is only one disease caused by the spore-forming, Gram-positive, obligate, anaerobic rods known as the Clostridia. In addition to tetanus this group of pathogens also causes gas gangrene and botulism. The most common offenders of this species are the group causing gas gangrene. This paper presents a recent case of panophthahnitis caused by Clostridia perfringens, the commonest of these organisms. In addition, the subject of ocular clostridial infections in general is reviewed, and how they specifically affect the eye.