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As seen on "Medical Investigation"
December 3, 2004 | Archive
Necrotizing Fasciitis
Necrotizing fasciitis is a flesh eating bacteria that spreads along the
layers of tissue that surround muscle (the fascia). Symptoms of this rare
illness include fever, severe pain, and a red, painful swelling which
spreads rapidly. Death can occur in 12 to 24 hours.
Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by a number of different bacteria,
one of them being the group A streptococcus. This is a common
bacteria which causes infections, such as sore or strep throat, in children
and young adults. This same bacteria also causes scarlet fever and rheumatic
fever.
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics, also known as antimicrobial drugs, are drugs that fight infections
caused by bacteria. Widespread use of antibiotics is thought to have spurred
evolutionary changes in bacteria that allow them to survive these powerful
drugs.
While antibiotic resistance benefits the microbes, it presents humans
with two big problems: it makes it more difficult to purge infections
from the body; and it heightens the risk of acquiring infections in a
hospital.
Nosocomial Infections
Nosocomial infections are illnesses acquired in the hospital. Five percent
(5%) of people that enter a hospital acquire nosocomial infections and
ten percent (10%) subsequently die. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides hospitals with prevention
strategies and educational materials to reduce
antimicrobial resistance in health care settings.
NIH Research and You
The NIH funds clinical studies that provide experimental treatment for
nosocomial
infections, along with a wide range of diseases and disorders. To
join a clinical trial, ask your doctor to help you choose the study that's
right for you, or call the NIH at 1-800-411-1222.
Stay Tuned
Watch this page for information about encephalitis
and other health topics featured in the next episode.
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