Necrotizing fasciitis (/ˈnɛkrəˌtaɪzɪŋ ˌfæʃiˈaɪtɪs/ or /ˌfæs-/) or NF, commonly known as flesh-eating disease or flesh-eating bacteria syndrome,[1] is a rare infection of the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues, easily spreading across the fascial plane within the subcutaneous tissue. The most consistent feature of Necrotizing Fasciitis was first described in 1952 by Wilson, as necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia with relative sparing of the underlying muscle.[2] Necrotizing fasciitis progresses rapidly, having greater risk of developing in the immunocompromised due to conditions such as diabetes or cancer. It is a severe disease of sudden onset and is usually treated immediately with surgical debridement and high doses of intravenous antibiotics,[3] with delay in surgical treatment being associated with higher mortality. Many types of bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis (e.g., Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, Aeromonas hydrophila[4]). The disease is classified as Type I (polymicrobial, due to a number of different organisms) or Type II (monomicrobial, due to a single infecting organism). The majority of cases of necrotizing fasciitis are polymicrobial, with 25-45% of cases being Type II.[5] Such infections are more likely to occur in people with compromised immune systems secondary to chronic disease
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 12:50:21 +0000