Question

What is Acute Necrotizing Fasciitis and why is it so dangerous?

Answer 1

Acute Necrotizing Fasciitis is a rare infection caused by Group A Streptococcal bacteria , causing tissue death at the site of infection and injury and spreads beyond.

The spread occurs very fast and the early diagnosis is usually missed due to symptoms misleading the diagnosis as flue. The symptoms usually present within 24 hours of infection. When the superficial fascia ( a layer below the skin) is affected, it is called Necrotizing Fasciitis.

The infection rapidly destroys muscle , skin and fat tissue and spreads quickly causing the critical symptoms to present in 4-5 days which is a clear picture of the organ involvement.

Every year 600-700 cases of Acute Necrotizing Fasciitis are reported in US with 20-30% death rate.