Some parts of medicine are relatively dull. Maintaining enthusiasm for high blood pressure and diabetes requires the endurance of a saint, or, say, a general practitioner. Other parts of medicine are unbelievably exciting but inevitably accompanied by some element of sheer terror. Take, for example, flesh-eating bacteria. Although reminiscent of a long-forgotten, sci-fi B-movie title, this actually is a recognized condition. Among medical circles, however, flesh-eating bacteria prefers the more scientifically-minded name of necrotizing fasciitis. Still, I think the former name more aptly captures the vicious and devastating nature of the disease. Even the most seasoned clinician has nightmares about flesh-eating bacteria.
So what is necrotizing fasciitis and how, exactly, does one contract it? Or better yet, how can one manage to steer clear of the disease? The good news is that necrotizing fasciitis is exceedingly uncommon, with an estimated incidence of one case for every 453,333 Americans per year. Take a look at the person to your left and the person to your right. Chances are, none of you will have to worry about this serious, albeit interesting, disease, but it’s always good to stay informed.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a bacterial infection that spreads unbelievably rapidly and leaves destruction in its wake. Many patients do not survive the first 24 hours, as the bacteria run rampant along deep tissue planes, taking no prisoners. Flesh-eating bacteria actually is somewhat of a misnomer, as the bacteria do not actually feed on tissue but instead release toxic substances that destroy the tissue and cause an inflammatory reaction.
The cause of this terrifying infection oftentimes can be traced to surgical wounds or foreign bodies, but many cases are idiopathic, which basically means no one’s really sure what the heck caused the disease. Nor does it matter, because the treatment is the same, and every minute counts. As with other bacterial infections, antibiotics are used, but the mainstay of treatment is surgery. Although crude, removing the infected tissue is absolutely vital, and this can mean amputating arms, legs or other body parts. Necrotizing fasciitis is a difficult infection to fight, and as a result, surgeons need to be aggressive. Needless to say, these operations are hardly cosmetic but can be life-saving.
Still, the CDC estimates that 20 percent of people affected by necrotizing fasciitis will die from the disease — although many estimates are much higher — and up to 80 percent of patients will suffer from something like losing a limb or the ability to walk.
Luckily, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than coming down with necrotizing fasciitis. Still, a disease this fierce requires a certain level of awareness and even prevention. Certain conditions can predispose a person to acquire this infection, including diabetes, alcoholism, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Keeping yourself healthy can help protect you from the so-called flesh-eating bacteria and other untoward consequences as well. If you think you have a skin infection, some of the warning signs of this particular type of infection are rapid spread of the infection, numbness or purple discoloration of the skin and a crackling sensation — think Rice Krispies — when the skin is pressed, a phenomenon caused by gas-producing bacteria. If you are concerned about a skin infection, it’s always a good idea to seek help and seek help early.
Hopefully, this doesn’t give you another reason to lose sleep or contribute to the hypochondriasis already so prevalent among medical students and the Internet-savvy. Instead, impress your friends with this newly-acquired medical knowledge on the off-chance that the topic of conversation at your next cocktail or dinner party veers the way of flesh-eating bacteria. On second thought, first consider your audience. Sometimes flesh-eating bacteria are best left on the B-list movie screen.
Emily Graham is a University Medical student. She can be reached at e.graham@cavalierdaily.com.
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