Necrotizing fasciitis
Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection
that can spread rapidly, destroying muscle and fat tissue in the body
("Necrotizing" means causing the death of tissues). It can be caused by
more than one type of bacteria including group A Streptococcus (group A
strep), Klebsiella, Clostridium, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and
Aeromonas hydrophila, among others. Group A strep is considered the most
common cause of necrotizing fasciitis. Bacteria that cause necrotizing
fasciitis are sometimes referred to as "flesh-eating bacteria."
Most cases of necrotizing fasciitis occur sporadically
and are not linked to similar infections in others. The most common way
of developing necrotizing fasciitis is when bacteria enter the body
through a break in the skin, like a cut, scrape, burn, insect bite, or
puncture wound. Necrotizing fasciitis is most common among people that
have other health problems or are immune-compromised, such as those with
diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease. Accurate diagnosis and prompt
treatment with antibiotics are important.
Necrotizing fasciitis is not reportable in Wisconsin
unless accompanied by a positive culture of group A Streptococcus from a
normally sterile (invasive) site.
General information
Necrotizing
Fasciitis CDC (Exit DHS)
Information for health professionals
Wisconsin case reporting
and public health follow-up guidelines: Group
A streptococcal infection EpiNet (PDF,
32 KB)
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Clinical
Testing Reference Manual (Exit DHS)
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Communicable
Disease Division A To Z Index (Exit DHS)
Additional resources
Group A streptococcal infections (GAS) CDC (Exit
DHS)
Contacts
Wisconsin
Local Health Departments - Regional offices - Tribal agencies
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Last Revised:
December 11, 2012 |
