Necrotizing fasciitis is normally caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria. In this article we explore Group A Streptococcus bacteria in more detail, explaining what conditions they cause and how the bacteria can lead to the necrotizing fasciitis infection.
Group A Streptococcus bacteria
There are many different types of bacteria, some of which are good and help the body function, and some of which are bad and will make a person unwell.
One variety of bacteria is the Group A Streptococcus, sometimes abbreviated to ‘GAS’. The Group A Streptococcus bacteria can lead to a wide variety of infections, both mild and severe. The type of infection it eventually causes depends upon the site of infection.
For example, if the bacteria infect the throat, it will lead to a ‘strep throat’, which is simply a sore throat. Or if the skin becomes infected, it will lead to impetigo.
Group A Streptococcus bacteria and necrotizing fasciitis
However, more serious infections will arise if the Group A Streptococcus bacteria get into the areas of the body in which bacteria are not normally found. These areas include the blood, muscle and lungs.
One of the most severe types of invasive Group A Streptococcus infections is necrotizing fasciitis (also spelt necrotising fasciitis). This will happens if the Group A Streptococcus bacteria get into the deep tissues of the body, called the subcutaneous tissue.
The bacteria will multiply inside the subcutaneous tissue, which causes a toxin to be released into the body. This rapidly destroys tissue, muscle and fat. The longer the bacteria are left to reproduce, the more tissue will be destroyed.
Treating necrotizing fasciitis
To prevent widespread tissue damage, the infection needs to be treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, the bacteria will spread, leaving dead tissue in their wake.
Treatment must involve intravenous antibiotics and debridement surgery. The surgical removal of the infected tissue is necessary or the infection will remain inside the body. If necrotizing fasciitis has not been treated in the early stages, there will be a large area of dead tissue that must be removed. This can be risky for the patient, and may even necessitate the amputation of a limb.
Delayed treatment of necrotizing fasciitis
Some patients will not undergo necrotizing fasciitis treatment until the disease has advanced to a large area of tissue and perhaps even spread to the blood. If the delay in treatment is due to medical error – for example, because of a delay in diagnosis – there could be a case of medical negligence. Contact us for more information.
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