Clostridium septicum bacteremia without gas gangrene as a late consequence of a contaminated wound

Background: Clostridium septicum is an unusual human pathogen associated with colorectal malignancy and gas gangrene. Methods: A case compilation and literature review are presented. Results: We report the case of an individual with a comminuted tibial fracture complicated by a superficial surgical site infection with C. septicum nine weeks after the original injury and internal fixation, which was complicated by a secondary bacteremia. Conclusions: This is a unique case in the literature, but it is suggested that the use of cephalosporins as prophylaxis for contaminated wounds may be inferior to penicillins to prevent clostridial infections.