C. septicum is one of several bacteria responsible for myonecrosis, otherwise known as gas gangrene. As of 2006, between 1000 and 3000 cases of C. septicum infection were reported in the United States each year, typically accompanied by another pre-existing medical condition.[3] Infection by C. septicum was once thought to be extremely rare, however anaerobic laboratory techniques allowed for the discovery of the true potential of this infectious microbe.[7] Infections are typically seen in settings of trauma, surgery, malignancy, skin infections/burns, and septic abortions.[3] Sites prone to infection are those with poor vascular supply, although because of pH, electrolyte and omsotic differences, the colon may promote the growth of C. septicum better than most other anatomical regions.[4] One of the more aggressive progenitors of gas gangrene, C. septicum infection progresses very rapidly, with a mortality rate of approximately 79% in adults, typically occurring within 48 hours of infection.[4] The greatest survival rates are typically seen in patients without pre-existing medical conditions, and with infection localized to the extremities.[3] Gas gangrene proceeds via disruption of blood flow to the infected site, resulting in diminished levels of oxygen and nutrients ultimately causing premature cell death and tissue necrosis.[8] Four toxins have been isolated from C. septicum: the lethal alpha toxin, DNase beta-toxin, hyaluronidase gamma toxin, and the thiol-activated/septicolysin delta toxin.[9] Alpha toxin causes intravascular hemolysis and tissue necrosis and is well known as the main virulent factor in C. septicum.[8] Symptoms of infection include pain, described as a heaviness or pressure that is disproportionate to physical findings, tachycardia, and hypotension.[3] Tissue necrosis then causes edema and ischemia resulting in metabolic acidosis, fever, and renal failure.[3] The carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced during cellular respiration move through tissue planes, causing their separation, producing features characteristic of palpable emphysema.[3] This also results in a magenta-bronze skin discoloration and bulla filled with a foul-smelling serosanguinous fluid.[