NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AND FLESH-EATING BACTERIA


Authors: Rozalina Yordanova, Petya Kapsamunova, Victoria Yovcheva
Keywords: necrotizing fasciitis, flesh-eating bacteria

Abstract:
Necrotizing fasciitis is one of the most serious diseases that doctors face in their practice. It is defined
as a rare, life-threatening, rapidly spreading soft tissue infection resulting from a polymicrobial origin, with
a predominance of anaerobic organisms (flesh-eating bacteria). The disease is manifested by necrosis of
muscles, fascia and surrounding soft tissues. Diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis is one of the biggest
challenges for clinicians. The accuracy of the diagnosis increases with good knowledge of the clinical
finding, laboratory parameters, imaging and macroscopic and microscopic findings. Despite the advanced
medical technology and modern intensive care, this disease still leads to high mortality. The purpose of this
review is to present up-to-date information on necrotizing fasciitis - microbial etiology, clinical
characteristics, early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies. Materials and methods: review of
scientific literature, research and international experience related to the disease. Conclusion: Due to the
insignificance of skin findings at the beginning of the disease, the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is often
extremely difficult. Knowledge of the disease, early diagnosis, prompt surgical treatment and adequate
antibiotic therapy lead to a reduction in mortality.Download article