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gangrene

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gangrene

Death and decay of body tissue (often of a limb) due to bacterial action; the affected part gradually turns black and causes blood poisoning.

Gangrene sets in as a result of loss of blood supply to the area. This may be due to disease (diabetes, atherosclerosis), an obstruction of a major blood vessel (as in thrombosis), injury, or frostbite. Bacteria colonize the site unopposed, and a strong risk of blood poisoning often leads to surgical removal of the tissue or the affected part (amputation).

Gas gangrene is caused by infection of serious wounds with the bacterium Clostridium perfringens. The bacterium produces a protein, alpha toxin, that destroys healthy tissue surrounding the wound. The spread is very rapid. A vaccine against gas gangrene was successfully tested on animals 1994.



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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
But for that matter, the Creole husband is never jealous; with him the gangrene passion is one which has become dwarfed by disuse.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Chopin, Kate View in context
Natasha told her that at first there had been danger from his feverish condition and the pain he suffered, but at Troitsa that had passed and the doctor had only been afraid of gangrene.
War and Peace by Tolstoy, Leo View in context
I've never seen a man die under the lash, but gangrene may set up if the kourbash has been pickled.
Actions and Reactions by Kipling, Rudyard View in context
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