Reheated meat dishes are a primary source. The organisms sporulate in the GI tract and produce an enterotoxin. The toxin is a spore coat protein. Enteritis necroticans is an infection of the jejunum rather than a food poisoning. It is very rare.
Gas gangrene is associated with war wounds, auto accidents, and septic abortions.
A number of necrotizing toxins as well as the pressure produced by the adundant gas production which can inhibit blood flow produce a rapidly spreading, highly necrotic focus of infection.