MRSA and Necrotising Fasciitis are both bacterial infections that are often caught in hospital. However, they are not the same thing.
MRSA
MRSA is short for meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The staphylococcus aureus bacteria that cause MRSA are very common and are often carried on the skin, nostrils and throat.
When present on the skin, the bacteria may not cause any problems whatsoever, or it may lead to a skin infection such as impetigo. However, if the bacteria are able to get into the body via a break in the skin, much more serious complications will arise.
Depending upon the site of infection and how far the bacteria travel, one or more of the following conditions may develop:-
- Sepsis
- Urinary tract infection
- Endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart)
- Pneumonia
- Septic bursitis
- Septic arthritis
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
These conditions can be fatal, especially for those with an already weakened immune system.
Necrotising Fasciitis
Like MRSA, necrotising fasciitis is a bacterial infection. Nevertheless, it is normally caused by a different type of bacteria called the Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
Again, the necrotising fasciitis bacteria can live on the skin without causing health complaints. But if they enter the body through a break in the skin, an aggressive ‘flesh eating’ infection will arise.
The bacteria will get into the body’s deep tissues (called subcutaneous tissue) and will start to reproduce. While they do so, they release a chemical that damages the nearby tissue, muscle and fascia (connective tissue).
This causes the tissue to break down, disrupting the blood supply and making the area deficient in oxygen. The tissue will break down even further, eventually becoming necrotic, whereby if effectively dies.
If not treated in time, necrotising fasciitis can be fatal.
Delayed hospital treatment
MRSA and necrotising fasciitis are not, therefore, the same thing. Both must, however, be treated promptly if potentially fatal complications are to be avoided.
If a hospital patient contracts either MRSA or necrotising fasciitis, medical practitioners must be quick to diagnose the problem and provide timely treatment. A failure to do so may amount to medical negligence.
Claiming compensation for necrotising fasciitis
If either you or your loved one has been affected by a delayed diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis, please get in touch with us today. We will be able to advise whether you have been subject to substandard medical care and, if so, will pursue a claim on your behalf.
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