Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, insidiously advancing, soft-tissue infection characterized by widespread fascial necrosis.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Causes. Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by bacteria in the vast majority of cases, though fungi can also rarely lead to this condition as well. Many cases of necrotizing fasciitis are caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes), either individually or along with other bacterial pathogens.  Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, insidiously advancing, soft-tissue infection characterized by widespread fascial necrosis (see the image below). A number of bacteria in isolation or as a polymicrobial infection can cause this condition.  Background. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive inflammatory infection of the fascia, with secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. The speed of spread is directly proportional to the thickness of the subcutaneous layer. Necrotizing fasciitis moves along the fascial plane Many types of bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis (e.g., Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) , Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, Vibrio vulnificus, Aeromonas hydrophila). In necrotizing fasciitis, aggressive surgical debridement (removal of infected tissue) is always necessary to keep it from spreading and is the only treatment available. Diagnosis is confirmed by visual examination of the tissues and by tissue samples sent for microscopic evaluation. Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection caused by bacteria. It can destroy skin, fat, and the tissue covering the muscles within a very short time. The disease sometimes is called flesh-eating bacteria. When it occurs on the genitals, it is called Fournier gangrene. Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare but serious. Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by several kinds of bacteria. Some of these bacteria also cause infections such as strep throat and impetigo. Usually the infections caused by these bacteria are mild. But in rare cases they can cause a more dangerous infection. Necrotizing fasciitis is a type of soft tissue infection. It can destroy the tissue in your skin and muscles as well as subcutaneous tissue. To get necrotizing fasciitis, you need to have the bacteria in your body. This typically occurs when your skin is broken. For example, the bacteria can enter your body through a cut, scrape, or surgical wound. These injuries do not need to be large for the bacteria to take hold. Even a needle puncture can be enough. Necrotizing fasciitis is most commonly caused by an infection with group A Streptococcus, commonly known as “flesh-eating bacteria.” This is the fastest moving form of the infection. When this infection is caused by other types of bacteria, it typically does not progress as quickly and is not quite as dangerous. To get necrotizing fasciitis, you need to have the bacteria in your body. This typically occurs when your skin is broken. For example, the bacteria can enter your body through a cut, scrape, or surgical wound. These injuries do not need to be large for the bacteria to take hold. Even a needle puncture can be enough. Abstract. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, life-threatening infection resulting in necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. Mortality rates have been noted as high as 73 percent. Certain conditions can predispose patients to NF, such as diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive medications, and AIDS
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/necrotizing_fasciitis/page2_em.htm http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1054438-overview http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2051157-overview https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necrotizing_fasciitis http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/necrotizing-fasciitis-flesh-eating-bacteria-topic-overview http://www.healthline.com/health/necrotizing-soft-tissue-infection http://www.healthline.com/health/necrotizing-soft-tissue-infection http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/444061
what is necrotizing fasciitis