Video: "Flesh-Eating" Bacteria

Now That We Have Your Attention...

• The bacteria in the above video are Group A Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from a patient with necrotizing fasciitis
• Necrotizing fasciitis can also be caused by other bacteria commonly found on the skin such as Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus)
• Infection generally begins at a major wound or just a scratch
• Sorry, Sci Fi fans, the causative bacteria do not “eat flesh”, but they cause deep, painful, fast-moving infections of the skin and underlying tissue including the fascia
• Necrotizing fasciitis is rare, and even rarer if you are young and healthy
• Conditions which can increase chances of the disease

  – diabetes
  – alcohol or drug abuse
  – suppressed immunity

• But if NOT diagnosed early and accurately and then treated appropriately, necrotizing fasciitis can be fatal
• More information on the disease and its prevention is available from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).