Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is sometimes referred to as a "flesh-eating" infection and is the result of a bacterial infection that may develop after surgery, or after minor trauma such as a cut, scrape, burn, or insect bite.

It is an uncommon, but serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Bacterial species

• Several different bacterial species can cause necrotizing fasciitis:
  • Group A strep (the most common)
  • Klebsiella
  • Clostridium
  • E. coli
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Aeromonas hydrophila
  • other bacterial species

Symptoms

• Symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include (but are not limited to):

  • rapid onset of severe pain and swelling,
  • fever,
  • and redness at the site of the injury.

  Symptoms can be less significant in early stages of the disease but rapidly progress.

• Necrotizing fasciitis is reported in half of patients with streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome, or STSS.  This illness is characterized by the presence of multiple symptoms:
  • chills,
  • fever or hypothermia and shock,
  • confusion,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • tachycardia,
  • hypotension and multi-organ failure.

More About Necrotizing Fasciitis

• CDC: About Necrotizing Fasciitis

For Health Professionals

All cases of Group A Streptococcus that result in necrotizing fasciitis are reportable to the Minnesota Department of Health.

• Information For Health Professionals on Necrotizing Fasciitis