Abstract
Clostridium perfringens (CP) is an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacillus associated with malignant diseases and near-term pregnancies. The necrotic tissue that results from these disease processes fuels the proliferation of CP, leading to gas gangrene and subsequently sepsis. Herein, we report a case of a 41-year-old female patient with a history of invasive molar pregnancy that was further complicated with a CP infection. Although past research has shown a link between Clostridium infection and choriocarcinoma (Chern-Horng and Hsieh, 1999), no previous cases of CP infection have been associated with invasive molar pregnancy. We also report complete resolution of the CP sepsis and its associated symptoms following the hysterectomy.
Highlights
Clostridium perfringens (CP), an anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus, is found among the normal human intestinal and vaginal flora in approximately 25% of healthy women [1]
Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) are a heterogeneous group of gestational and neoplastic conditions arising from the trophoblast
The incidence of hydatidiform moles is greater in women older than 40 years and younger than 20 years [6]
Summary
Clostridium perfringens (CP), an anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus, is found among the normal human intestinal and vaginal flora in approximately 25% of healthy women [1]. Clostridium infections are commonly associated with malignant diseases [2, 3]. Along with malignancies, it is often associated with caesarean sections and incomplete pregnancies. Injured and necrotic tissue in the uterus after delivery permit bacterial incubation and overgrowth of bacterial colonies [4]. CP can progress to gas gangrene, a form of tissue death, and may eventually lead to sepsis [1]
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