Media reports have popularized the term "flesh-eating bacteria" to refer to a type of very rare but serious bacterial infection known as necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection that starts in the tissues just below the skin and spreads along the flat layers of tissue (known as fascia) that separate different layers of soft tissue, such as muscle and fat. This dangerous infection is most common in the arms, legs, and abdominal wall and is fatal in 30%-40% of cases.
Although necrotizing fasciitis may be caused by an infection with one or more than one bacterium, in most cases the term flesh-eating bacteria has been applied to describe infections caused by the bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes. The term flesh-eating has been used because the bacterial infection produces toxins that destroy tissues such as muscles, skin, and fat. Streptococcus pyogenes is a member of the group A streptococci, a group of bacteria that are commonly responsible for mild cases of sore throat (pharyngitis) and skin infections, as well as rare, severe illnesses such as toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis. Most infections with group A streptococci result in mild illness and may not even produce symptoms.
Although necrotizing fasciitis may be caused by an infection with one or more than one bacterium, in most cases the term flesh-eating bacteria has been applied to describe infections caused by the bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes. The term flesh-eating has been used because the bacterial infection produces toxins that destroy tissues such as muscles, skin, and fat. Streptococcus pyogenes is a member of the group A streptococci, a group of bacteria that are commonly responsible for mild cases of sore throat (pharyngitis) and skin infections, as well as rare, severe illnesses such as toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis. Most infections with group A streptococci result in mild illness and may not even produce symptoms.
Sometimes, other bacteria or even a combination of different bacteria may produce necrotizing fasciitis. A case was reported in 2012 of a young woman who suffered a zip-lining accident on a river in West Georgia. She contracted an infection with the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila, which produced a necrotizing infection that resulted in the loss of a leg and part of her abdomen.
Symptom Timeline Unlike some illnesses, such as high blood pressure, that silently take their toll without any symptoms, flesh-eating bacteria rings the doorbell and bangs on your door upon arrival. In fact, the first sign of flesh-eating bacteria is usually pain from an injury. This may improve, but then get drastically worse, disproportionately to the type of wound. The skin can become hot, swollen and red. You may experience diarrhea, fever, chills, vomiting and nausea [source: WebMD].
And all of these symptoms will take place on an accelerated timeline. Here's how the symptom progression typically occurs:
Many of the people who have developed necrotizing fasciitis have been in good health before developing the condition. People with chronic medical conditions (for example diabetes and cancer) or who have weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis. Recent wounds (including surgical incisions) and recent viral infections that cause a rash (such as chickenpox) also confer an increased risk.
Necrotizing fasciitis is treated with antibiotics, and early treatment is critical. Hospitalization, usually with treatment in the intensive-care unit (ICU), is required. Surgery to remove infected fluids and tissue may be necessary, along with medications to treat shock and other potential complications.
Preventing Flesh-eating Bacteria With what you've read on necrotizing fasciitis/flesh-eating bacteria so far, you are probably taking this illness quite seriously. Although you should be aware of the seriousness of this condition, it doesn't mean that you should barricade yourself at home. Remember, the condition is very rare, and locking yourself at home might not protect you anyway. However, should some of us run for cover more than others? Are there any actions we can take to protect ourselves?
Everyone is at risk for flesh-eating bacteria, even folks you would usually characterize as healthy. That said, there are a few risk factors that do increase your chances of contracting flesh-eating bacteria. You are at higher risk if you already have a poor immune system; just had an infection with a rash, such as chickenpox; have any chronic health issues, such as diabetes, kidney disease or cancer; have any cuts or use steroid medications [source: WebMD].
Regardless of whether you fall into any of these categories, there are still a few standard precautions you can take to try to prevent flesh-eating bacteria. To protect yourself and others, follow these basic sound hygiene practices:
So you've done everything you can to protect yourself -- practicing hand hygiene and watching for symptoms -- but somehow you become one the unfortunate few to contract flesh-eating bacteria. At this point, your goal becomes joining the 60 to 70 percent of people who do defeat this illness. For inspiration, go to the next page to learn about the survival stories of two women who went on to establish a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource and awareness tool on flesh-eating bacteria.
REFERENCE:
Schwartz, Robert A. "Dermatologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Fasciitis." Medscape.com. June 9, 2011. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1054438-overview>.
Symptom Timeline Unlike some illnesses, such as high blood pressure, that silently take their toll without any symptoms, flesh-eating bacteria rings the doorbell and bangs on your door upon arrival. In fact, the first sign of flesh-eating bacteria is usually pain from an injury. This may improve, but then get drastically worse, disproportionately to the type of wound. The skin can become hot, swollen and red. You may experience diarrhea, fever, chills, vomiting and nausea [source: WebMD].
And all of these symptoms will take place on an accelerated timeline. Here's how the symptom progression typically occurs:
- Within the first 24 hours: Although flesh-eating bacteria can occur almost "out of the blue" or from a bruise, usually a minor wound, such as a cut, rug burn or scratch, is the originating site of the condition. During the first 24 hours, you may experience some pain near the wound, which then increases greatly in severity. You may feel like you have the flu -- experiencing nausea, fever, weakness, diarrhea, etc.
- Just three to four days in: The area near the wound will swell and may turn into a purple rash. You may see dark marks that turn into blisters that fill with dark fluid. As time advances, you may start to see signs of the skin beginning to die as it becomes flaky, white or even dark.
- Four to five days fighting flesh-eating bacteria: As your body goes into toxic shock syndrome, meaning toxins from the bacteria are flowing through your body, your blood pressure will drop and you may become unconscious.
Many of the people who have developed necrotizing fasciitis have been in good health before developing the condition. People with chronic medical conditions (for example diabetes and cancer) or who have weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis. Recent wounds (including surgical incisions) and recent viral infections that cause a rash (such as chickenpox) also confer an increased risk.
Necrotizing fasciitis is treated with antibiotics, and early treatment is critical. Hospitalization, usually with treatment in the intensive-care unit (ICU), is required. Surgery to remove infected fluids and tissue may be necessary, along with medications to treat shock and other potential complications.
Preventing Flesh-eating Bacteria With what you've read on necrotizing fasciitis/flesh-eating bacteria so far, you are probably taking this illness quite seriously. Although you should be aware of the seriousness of this condition, it doesn't mean that you should barricade yourself at home. Remember, the condition is very rare, and locking yourself at home might not protect you anyway. However, should some of us run for cover more than others? Are there any actions we can take to protect ourselves?
Everyone is at risk for flesh-eating bacteria, even folks you would usually characterize as healthy. That said, there are a few risk factors that do increase your chances of contracting flesh-eating bacteria. You are at higher risk if you already have a poor immune system; just had an infection with a rash, such as chickenpox; have any chronic health issues, such as diabetes, kidney disease or cancer; have any cuts or use steroid medications [source: WebMD].
Regardless of whether you fall into any of these categories, there are still a few standard precautions you can take to try to prevent flesh-eating bacteria. To protect yourself and others, follow these basic sound hygiene practices:
- Take care of your wounds and keep them clean. (For a complete rundown on proper wound care, see the sidebar on the previous page.)
- Wash your hands frequently. (Think you are a hand-washing master? Review the sidebar on this page to make sure.)
- Avoid contact with people suffering from a sore-throat-related illness.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes -- remember to turn away from others when you sneeze, and sneeze and/or cough into your arm instead of your hands.
- Immediately throw out your used tissues.
So you've done everything you can to protect yourself -- practicing hand hygiene and watching for symptoms -- but somehow you become one the unfortunate few to contract flesh-eating bacteria. At this point, your goal becomes joining the 60 to 70 percent of people who do defeat this illness. For inspiration, go to the next page to learn about the survival stories of two women who went on to establish a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource and awareness tool on flesh-eating bacteria.
REFERENCE:
Schwartz, Robert A. "Dermatologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Fasciitis." Medscape.com. June 9, 2011. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1054438-overview>.
