Necrotizing fasciitis is a relatively rare and very aggressive bacterial infection.. This disease, also known as "bacteria meat eaters”, causes great damage to the organism and, in an advanced stage, it can form real holes in the skin.
→ But, after all, what is necrotizing fasciitis?
Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection caused by bacteria that quickly reach the subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia (tissue that separates muscles from the skin), causing its progressive destruction. In an extremely aggressive way, these bacteria necrotize the affected region, that is, killing the affected tissues.
Many people die from necrotizing fasciitis as it can result in multiple organ failure. It is estimated that mortality related to this infection ranges from 13% to 76% of cases, and this variation is directly linked to the delay in starting treatment.
→ What is the causative agent of necrotizing fasciitis?
Necrotizing fasciitis has no specific etiological agentthus it can be caused by different bacteria. The agents that initiate this infection are usually the
Streptococcus hemolytic group A and Staphylococcus aureus.According to the agents involved, we can classify necrotizing fasciitis into two types: I and II. In type I, we find different bacteria in association, of which at least one species is obligate anaerobic, associated with one or more facultative anaerobes. Type II, on the other hand, presents as the causative agent the Streptococcus of group A, alone or in association with the Staphylococcus aureus.
→ How do necrotizing fasciitis lesions form?
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In general, necrotizing fasciitis is caused by minor trauma. However, in about 20% of cases, no trauma is identified. The onset of the lesion is characterized by local swelling and reddening of the skin. Pain is also an important point, as it is disproportionate compared to the size of the wound.
It is noticed that, as the infection progresses, the site becomes bluish and starts to form bubbles with yellowish or reddish content. Later, a reddish border develops, and the area becomes covered with necrotic (dead) tissue. Initially, the skin is not affected, as well as the muscles, however, the advancement of the lesion leads to the necrosis of nerve fibers and to the involvement of the skin and muscles.
→ Are there any risk factors for the development of necrotizing fasciitis?
There are some risk factors for the development of necrotizing fasciitis. Among them, we can highlight the old age (usually over 65), trauma, skin lesions, drug and alcohol use, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
→ What is the treatment for necrotizing fasciitis?
Treatment should be done quickly, as soon as the infection is discovered.. It is based on the application of antibiotics and in surgeries, which remove the necrotic material. Skin grafting is often recommended after this procedure. It is noteworthy that, for full recovery from this disease, it is essential to take care of the patient's health as a whole, paying attention, for example, to their diet.
By Ma Vanessa Sardinha
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Necrotizing fasciitis: the disease of meat-eating bacteria"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/fasciite-necrosante-doenca-bacteria-comedora-carne.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.