How does flesh eating disease work?
It is a very severe bacterial infection that spreads quickly through the tissue (flesh) surrounding the muscles. In some cases death can occur within 12 to 24 hours. Necrotizing fasciitis kills about 1 in 4 people infected with it. Necrotizing fasciitis may start from an infection in a minor cut or bruise.
What does necrotizing fasciitis do to cells?
NF is caused by one or more bacteria that attacks the skin, the tissue just beneath the skin (subcutaneous tissue), and the fascia causing these tissues to die (necrosis). These infections can be sudden, vicious, and fast-spreading.
What is the mode of transmission for flesh eating bacteria?
The bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis can be passed from person to person through close contact, such as touching the wound of the infected person. But this rarely happens unless the person who is exposed to the bacteria has an open wound, chickenpox, or an impaired immune system.
What happens if you get flesh eating bacteria?
Flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) is a rare infection of the skin and tissues below it. It can be deadly if not treated quickly. Necrotizing fasciitis spreads quickly and aggressively in an infected person. It causes tissue death at the infection site and beyond.
What is the pathophysiology of necrotizing fasciitis?
The pathogenesis of necrotizing fasciitis is the result of bacterial and host factors. The exact pathogenesis of type 1 necrotizing fasciitis is not fully understood. It is thought that type 1 NF is caused by polymicrobial species that work synergistically to enhance the spread of infection.
Can cellulitis turn into necrotizing fasciitis?
Clinical features: Gangrenous cellulitis may develop with or without complicating necrotizing fasciitis. Types I and II necrotizing fasciitis are defined by their polymicrobial or streptococcal etiology, but otherwise are often quite similar in appearance and striking rapidly progressive courses.
Why does necrotizing fasciitis spread so quickly?
The infection often begins like most others – through a cut or a scrape. However, unlike other infections, this one spreads very quickly as the bacteria do their damage. They grow and release a harmful substance that destroys surrounding tissue and can enter the blood stream.
Is necrotizing fasciitis painful?
The infection often spreads very quickly. Early symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis can include: A red, warm, or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly. Severe pain, including pain beyond the area of the skin that is red, warm, or swollen.
What causes necrosis in necrotizing fasciitis?
Group A Strep Thought to Be Most Common Cause There are many types of bacteria that can cause the “flesh-eating disease” called necrotizing fasciitis. Public health experts believe group A Streptococcus (group A strep) are the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis.