Necrotising fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, is a severe bacterial infection that rapidly destroys skin, fat and the tissue covering muscles and can even spread to the bones. Even though the infection is considered rare, it requires immediate treatment when it occurs.
Group A streptococcus is the most common agent even as several types of bacteria can cause this condition. Other bacteria include Klebsiella, Clostridium, E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
These bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites or surgical wounds. Sometimes, even minor trauma that doesn’t break the skin can lead to infection, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Diabetic patients at higher risk
Individuals with preexisting conditions like diabetes are at higher risk of an infection from the flesh-eating bacteria.
A 50-year-old patient was admitted to Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, with severe pain, fever and swelling in the legs due to a diabetic foot infection. The patient was diagnosed with diabetic foot complicated by flesh-eating bacteria with the swift progression posing a significant risk to both life and limbs.
“This case was extremely challenging due to the extent the infection had spread and had already reached the joints and bones. We opted for a combination of antibiotic therapy and vacuum-assisted closure, which is an innovative technique for managing such severe infections. The approach allowed us to treat the infection effectively, minimise the need for further surgeries and ultimately avoid amputation,” said Dr Santosh MP, senior consultant, general and minimal access surgery, Fortis Hospital.
Flesh-eating bacteria infections are rare
While the condition is rare, its severity and rapid progression make it a serious medical concern requiring immediate attention when it occurs.
The condition remains rare for reasons including the natural defence mechanism of the human body, with healthy skin forming a strong physical barrier against bacteria, while our immune system typically fights off potential invading organisms.
The bacteria cannot establish a severe infection, even after entering the human body and may not survive in the body’s environment. If minor injuries are mostly kept clean or heal quickly enough to stop bacteria from establishing an infection, chances are it will save the person.
Further, the condition for the bacteria to undergo specific genetic changes may not prevail in the human body for it to result in intensified infection.
What are the symptoms of an infection from a flesh-eating bacteria?
Other risk factors which can worsen the condition of obesity, liver disease, cancer and other conditions that compromise the immune system. However, healthy people can also develop necrotising fasciitis, especially after injuries or surgeries.
Early detection is crucial because the infection spreads rapidly and the tissue can die within hours. Initial symptoms often include extraordinarily severe pain for the visible wound, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue and nausea.
The affected area typically becomes red, swollen and warm to the touch. As the infection progresses, the skin may turn purple or dark, develop blisters and become very painful.
If not treated quickly, more than 30 per cent of people with flesh-eating bacteria infection can lose their lives. The doctors remove the dead tissues through surgical procedures to prevent the further spread.
The prevention involves proper wound care and good hygiene. All wounds, including minor ones, should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water and monitored for signs of infection. Those people with lower immunity must be vigilant about wound care and practice extra caution.
