Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh Eating Bacteria)

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Necrotizing Fasciitis
Necrotizing Fasciitis is an infection of flesh eating bacteria (there are many bacteria which can cause this disease including bacteria known as Group A Streptococcus, which is found in throat of many people, vibrio vulnificus, bacteria found in the intestine etc.) that attacks soft tissues and sheath of tissues that covers the muscles known as fascia. Necrotizing Fasciitis infection causing bacteria can enter patient’s body through any means on several occasions such as surgery, traumas, if a person touches anything that has the bacteria on it etc.

The lifecycle of the bacteria in the patient’s body includes infection, growth and fast reproduction. The toxins and enzymes produced by the bacteria destroy the tissues and fascia in the body and the tissues become gangrenous. The gangrenous tissues are harmful for the patient’s health, if allowed to be in the body for longer period, it also can cause death of the patient within 24 hours. Hence it is very important to remove the infected tissues (gangrenous tissues) from the patient’s body.

What are the symptoms of Necrotizing Fasciitis?
Necrotizing Fasciitis can be visible on the surface when the bacteria start destruction of the tissues and fascia that is near the skin surface or around any bruise or cut or it can be invisible under the skin. Patient suffering from Necrotizing Fasciitis may experience the following symptoms (please note that if Necrotizing Fasciitis is underneath the skin, it can become very hard to tell all the symptoms):
1) Patient suffering from Necrotizing Fasciitis experiences unbearable pain in the area that is infected and where the bacteria is active
2) Patient may experience nausea and confusion
3) High fever
4) Extremely low blood pressure due to the confusion and other problems
5) Dehydration due to the existence of toxins and enzymes produced by the bacteria in the body
6) The infected area becomes red, starts swelling and patient experiences burning sensation in that region.

How Necrotizing Fasciitis is diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis is done based on the symptoms patient is experiencing and blood sample test. Sample of infected tissues can also be taken for the biopsy. Also few more tests are available which can help in diagnosing the complete condition. Many times, the symptoms of the disease are misunderstood with the symptoms of other diseases if Necrotizing Fasciitis is spreading under the skin and not visible outside, this may lead to delay in treatment and possible death of the patient. Hence it is very important to carefully analyze the symptoms and take decision.

How Necrotizing Fasciitis is treated?
As there is no vaccine available against flesh-eating bacteria, it is very important to remove the infected tissues by surgery. If the disease is diagnosed in its preliminary stage i.e. the before it starts spreading deeper, surgical removal of infected tissues can save patient. If the disease has spread deeper and to a larger part of the body, limb amputation may be required in such a case to save patient’s life. Along with the surgery, medication is very important to help patient fight the infection (antibiotics) and strengthen the immune system.

Tips for prevention of Necrotizing Fasciitis:
You should immediately consult your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of Necrotizing Fasciitis enlisted above. People who ever had come in contact with patient’s suffering from Necrotizing Fasciitis, those who are suffering from chronic diseases and people who have weakened immune system should be careful about the possible infection and if possible they should consult doctor about the same for help.