Final answer:
Gangrene literally means eating sore. It is a condition caused by interrupted blood flow, leading to the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Gas gangrene is characterized by rapid tissue death and requires surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term gangrene literally means eating sore. Gangrene is a condition where tissues begin to die due to interrupted blood flow, leading to the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Gas gangrene, caused by Clostridium perfringens, is characterized by rapidly spreading myonecrosis, excruciating pain, foul-smelling wound, gas bubbles, and a thin, yellowish discharge. It can be diagnosed through clinical signs, Gram stain, and anaerobic cultivation of wound samples. Treatment involves surgical debridement, antibiotic therapy, and sometimes hyperbaric oxygen therapy.