Clostridium sordellii infection of female genital tract: A rare but fulminating reaction

Abstract

Clostridium sordellii, an anaerobic pathogen, is ubiquitously distributed in the environment and causes fatal necrotizing infections in approximately 70% of all reported cases. Characteristic clinical features include absence of fever and rash, dramatic leukemoid reaction (LR), capillary leak and fluid sequestration with hemoconcentration, refractory tachycardia and hypotension, and marked edema of infected tissues without gas production or extensive myonecrosis. C. sordellii has rarely been identiied in the genital tract, other Clostridium species colonize the vagina in 4 to 18% of healthy women and commonly are associated with postpartum endometritis and septic abortion. Pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion may predispose a some women to acquire C. sordellii in the vaginal tract. Dilatation of the cervix may lead to ascending infection of necrotic decidual tissue. The acidic pH of the vaginal tract may enhance the cytopathic effects of C. sordellii lethal toxin C. sordellii infections pose dificult clinical challenges and are usually fatal.