Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which organism is known to cause gas gangrene?

1. Clostridium botulinum

2. Clostridium perfringens

3. Staphylococcus aureus

4. Staphylococcus epidermidis

The correct answer is: Clostridium perfringens

Gas gangrene is primarily caused by the organism Clostridium perfringens, which is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium. This pathogen produces potent toxins that contribute to tissue necrosis and the characteristic gas formation associated with gas gangrene. Infections typically arise in wounds that are contaminated with dirt, especially those that involve damaged tissue lacking sufficient oxygen, as Clostridium perfringens thrives in low-oxygen environments. The other organisms listed, while they are significant in various infections, are not associated with gas gangrene. Clostridium botulinum is notorious for botulism, a serious illness that affects the nervous system, while Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are primarily known for skin and soft tissue infections, as well as other types of bacterial infections, but do not cause gas gangrene. Thus, understanding that Clostridium perfringens is specifically linked to this severe condition helps clarify its role in surgical infection management and the corresponding precautions that should be taken in the operating room.