Necrotizing Fasciitis

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Introduction
Necrotizing Fasciitis is a rare but severe type of bacterial infection that spreads rapidly throughout the body while destroying the host’s soft tissue in the process [1]. It is commonly referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria” or “soft tissue gangrene” [3]. The infection can be caused by more than one type of bacteria. It is usually the result of streptococcus bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes but can be also due to other bacteria such as Klebsiella, Clostridium, E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila or by other types of microbes such as mycotic (fungal) species [2]. The soft tissue infection can develop when a bacterium enters the body, usually through a break in the epidermis such as a minor wound similar to a cut or scrape, then grows and infects flat layers of a membrane known as fascia; also connective tissue surrounding the muscles, nerves, fat, and blood vessels. The bacteria then release a toxin that destroys the host’s tissue and affects the blood flow to the wound causing the bacteria to enter the blood stream and spread rapidly throughout the body as the tissue becomes necrotic [3]. It commonly occurs in areas of poor sanitation and in individuals with a low immune system due to other health problems, lowering their body’s ability to fight off an infection, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or other chronic health conditions [1]. The condition was first described from the 1840’s to the 1870’s and was named by Dr. B Wilson in 1952. Although it was first described in the 1800’s, it is possible that it occurred before it was first mentioned [2].

Symptoms

Symptoms that this rare but severe soft tissue infection may consist of [3]:

• Fever
• Sweating
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomitin...

... middle of paper ...

...ram staining and culturing for a rapid bacteriologic diagnosis of the soft tissue [4].

References

[1] Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Rare Disease, Especially for the Healthy. (2013, June 28). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/features/necrotizingfasci

[2] Necrotizing Fasciitis: Read About Bacteria and Treatment. (n.d.). MedicineNet. Retrieved
April 24, 2014, from http://www.medicinenet.com/necrotizing_fa

[3] Necrotizing soft tissue infection: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). U.S National
Library of Medicine. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/a

[4] Necrotizing Fasciitis Differential Diagnoses. Necrotizing Fasciitis Differential Diagnoses.
Retrieved April 26, 2014, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2051157
differential

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