Flesh-eating disease, which is also known as a necrotizing soft tissue infection, is the result of a bacterial infection. Bacteria that cause these infections secrete chemicals that rapidly break down the surrounding skin, muscle and connective tissue, leading to the development of large patches of dead tissue that must be surgically removed to avoid gangrene and other dangerous complications.
Bacteria
Many different kinds of bacteria can cause necrotizing infections of the skin, according to the Merck Manual. Streptococcus is the most common. Group A Streptococci, which are the bacteria that cause strep throat, can get into the soft tissue, usually through a cut or abrasion. The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation explains that this can happen when a person with a group A Streptococcal infection in the respiratory system coughs or sneezes, which sprays bacteria. If the bacteria get into an open cut, they can cause flesh-eating disease. Staphylococcus aureus is another potential cause of a necrotizing infection that is often acquired in hospitals. Clostridium perfringens, which is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines, also can get into deep wounds and cause a necrotizing infection.
Early Symptoms
Many of the early symptoms of the infection are subtle, according to the National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation. Initially there may be no sign at all. Over time the patient may develop extreme pain around the infection. Soon thereafter, the patient will develop extreme flu-like symptoms, as well as intense thirst as the body becomes dehydrated.
Later Symptoms
As the infection progresses, the infected wound will begin to swell and may develop a purple rash. The infected area also may develop large dark marks that eventually will become blisters. The wound may become mottled and flaky and show signs of tissue death. As the disease progresses, the blood pressure can drop suddenly, and the patient may become unconscious as a result of a condition known as toxic shock.
Diagnosis
An infection from flesh-eating bacteria can be diagnosed based on the appearance of an infected wound, according to Medline. In some cases a surgeon may be called in to open up a portion of the infected area to drain some of the fluid. This can allow the physicians to culture and identify the bacteria causing the infection. The Merck Manual explains that an X-ray or CT scan may be able to show the presence of gas bubbles under the skin, which is another symptom of this type of infection.
Treatment
Patients with a necrotizing skin infection need immediate treatment because the death rate is about 30 percent, according to the Merck Manual. The infected tissue should be surgically removed. Patients will need aggressive intravenous antibiotic therapy. In severe cases, amputation of the infected limb may be necessary to avoid life-threatening spread of the bacteria.
