What Is Flesh Eating Bacteria?

By james

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Flesh-eating bacteria is the name given to a group of organisms that cause flesh-eating disease, formally called necrotizing fasciitis. This is an infection that spreads rapidly and is cause for serious concern. The disease is rare and treatable, but early care is imperative.

Flesh-eating disease typically occurs in a location where a wound is already infected. The disease leads to tissue necrosis, or death. Necrotizing fasciitis can occur in any location on the body, though the likelihood of contracting the disease anywhere is small.

1. Causes of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Disease

The infection’s primary cause is bacterial, though on occasion a fungus is responsible. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are the most common bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis. Another source, which is rare but increasing, is the Vibrio vulnificus bacterium.

Flesh-eating bacteria disease occurs at a location where another infection is already present. Scientists suspect that this is because non-anaerobic microorganisms damage tissue sufficiently to reduce the levels of oxygen present. This allows the anaerobic bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis to flourish.