The popular phrase "flesh-eating bacteria" refers to a rare and serious bacterial infection named necrotizing fasciitis. According to the National Library of Medicine, a small reddish spot or bump may be the first symptom. The spot can be painful and changes color quickly to a bronze or purple patch with a black center that oozes fluid; this change can occur in less than an hour. Systemic symptoms can include fever, sweating, chills, nausea, weakness and dizziness. Left untreated, the infection quickly progresses to shock and death.
Streptococcus pyogenes
Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by more than one kind of bacteria. According to the University of Michigan Health System, the most common cause is Streptococcus pyogenes, which is a group A streptococcal bacterium. This is the same bacterium that causes milder infections such as strep throat and impetigo. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that group A streptococcal bacterium are often found on the skin or in the throat of people who have no symptoms of illness of any kind. Necrotizing fasciitis occurs when the bacteria produce toxins that infect the fascia -- tissue that lies under the skin and covers muscles and organs. The University of Michigan Health System names another bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, as sometimes causing necrotizing fasciitis. This organism can infect wounds exposed to ocean water, or that come in contact with raw saltwater fish. Bacteria found in the intestine can cause necrotizing fasciitis in people with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, abdominal gunshot wounds, or intestinal tumors or surgeries.
Treatment
According to the National Library of Medicine, treatment of necrotizing fasciitis includes immediate intravenous administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Areas already infected need to be surgically opened and drained and dead tissue removed. The bacteria may be anaerobic, which means it avoids oxygen. In this case, the patient may be placed in a chamber that delivers 100 percent oxygen under high pressure to kill the organism.
Complications
The National Library of Medicine explains if the area of tissue needing to be removed is large enough, it may be necessary to perform skin grafts after the infection is healed. This can result in scarring. If infection in a limb cannot be stopped, it may be necessary to amputate. If infection cannot be stopped, the infected person can go into shock and die.
Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise the best way to prevent infection with group A streptococcal bacteria is through good hand washing. This is particularly important after coughing, sneezing and before preparing food or eating. A doctor should test those with a sore throat to determine if it is strep throat; patients with strep should stay home for 24 hours after starting the prescribed antibiotic. All wounds should be kept clean. If there is redness, swelling, drainage and pain, the wound is likely infected and the person should see a doctor quickly. Necrotizing fasciitis is rare, but it is so serious that no infected wound should be ignored.
