| Necrotising fasciitis is an even more dramatic streptococcal infection. Although the initial infection is generally caused by Streptococcus pyogenes alone, other bacteria may colonise the site of infection and act synergistically with the streptococcus to destroy tissues. Necrotising fasciitis starts as a rapidly swelling cellulitis but, as fluid accumulates in the area beneath the skin, the blood flow is impaired. Classically, patients present with a discoloured, dusky skin lesion that is often disproportionately painful relative to the clinical signs. This reduces the oxygen tension of the affected tissue, providing an ideal environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. In combination, these infecting bacteria destroy the sub-cutaneous tissues. The skin then separates from the underlying tissues. The patient rapidly develops a potentially fatal septicaemia in this aggressive infection. Radical amputation may help to prevent the progress of this disease when it affects only the limbs. Patients who do recover are left severely scarred. |
Page edited April 2006
The information on this web site is copyrighted.
© John Heritage 2004, 2006
The information is being released only for use by students of the University of Leeds.
It is solely for use by students of the University of Leeds. If any other party aside from students of the University of Leeds should access this information, the University of Leeds accepts no responsibility for any such unauthorised use.
