Theta toxin (Θ-toxin)Theta toxin is also employed by Clostridium perfingens as a virulence factor. Theta toxin also promotes vascular degradation as its counterpart alpha toxin. A platelet-activation factor is employed which triggers an acute inflammatory response in nearby tissues. This inflammatory response leads to constriction of surrounding arteries and promotes an anaerobic environment for Clostridium perfingens growth and pathophysiology. Beta toxin (β-toxin)Beta toxin is an integral virulence factor in promoting enterocolitics and enterotoxemia. This toxin uses pores in the cellular biolipid membrane to import a pathogenic factor into organisms. Pathophysiology
Gas gangrene is caused by exotoxin-producing Clostridium species (most often C. perfringens, and C. novyi, but less commonly C. septicum or C. ramnosum), which are mostly found in soil, but also found as normal gut flora, and other anaerobes (e.g., Bacteroides and anaerobic streptococci).Bacterium of the Clostridial species produce two toxins: alpha and theta toxins, which cause necrotizing damage to tissues.Other organisms may occasionally cause gas gangrene (for example, Klebsiella pneumoniae in the context of diabetes).A gas composition of 5.9% hydrogen, 3.4% carbon dioxide, 74.5% nitrogen, and 16.1% oxygen was reported in one clinical case.Myonecrosis differs slightly from other types of necrosis. While the underlying causes are almost identical, the type of affected tissue (in particular, muscle tissue) is significantly more important for the patients general health. Superficial necrosis is unsightly and can lead to unattractive scarring, but otherwise does not affect the patients likelihood of survival or physical capability to the same extent.
Treatment
First aid
First aid for heat exhaustion includes:
Moving the person to a cool place
Having the patient take off extra layers of clothes
Cooling the patient down by fanning them and/or putting wet towels on their body
Having them lie down and put their feet up if they are feeling dizzy
Having them drink water or sports drinks unless they are unconscious, too disoriented to drink, or vomiting
Turning the patient on their side if they are vomiting

Emergency medical treatment
If an individual with heat exhaustion receives medical treatment, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), doctors, and/or nurses may also:
Provide supplemental oxygen
Administer intravenous fluids and electrolytes if they are too confused to drink and/or are vomiting

Prognosis
If left untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke. See also
Occupational heat stress
Heat stroke


== References ==