PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which species are considered major pathogens in ischemic tissue?

1. Bacteroides

2. Clostridium

3. Serratia

4. Pseudomonas

The correct answer is: Clostridium

Clostridium species are considered major pathogens in ischemic tissue primarily due to their ability to thrive in low-oxygen environments, which are characteristic of necrotic or ischemic tissues. These anaerobic bacteria are known for causing severe infections, including gas gangrene, which results from tissue necrosis and provides the ideal conditions for Clostridia to proliferate. The presence of necrotic tissue creates a microenvironment that not only supports their survival but also facilitates the production of potent toxins, contributing to rapid tissue destruction and systemic illness. This unique pathogenicity is linked to their metabolic processes, where they can ferment substrates and produce gas, creating further damage to the surrounding tissues and impairing blood flow. Additionally, Clostridium infections often present acutely, and timely recognition and intervention are critical to prevent severe complications, making their association with ischemic tissue particularly significant in surgical and emergency medicine contexts.