What is flesh-eating bacteria?
Certain types of bacteria infiltrating a wound can proliferate there, damaging the tissues they touch, but also releasing a toxin which destroys all surrounding tissues (muscles, nerves, veins, etc.). They are called “flesh-eating” bacteria. Upon reaching the blood system, these microorganisms then spread quickly throughout the body, causing extremely serious and irreversible damage. The disease resulting from this bacterial contamination is called necrotizing fasciitis, because it causes necrosis of the limbs and often leads to amputations. If left untreated, it can be fatal within 48 hours of infection.
The most common bacteria identified in cases of necrotizing fasciitis was previously group A streptococcus. But this year, the American CDC is warning about another type of bacteria, called Vibrio vulnificus. Only 150 to 200 cases of infection were recorded in the country during the year, but their number is increasing sharply and the mortality rate is high: more than 20% of patients do not survive.
How are patients infected?
Streptococcus A is a strictly human and very common bacteria, which generally lives in the throat and on the skin. Very contagious, it is transmitted by coughing, saliva or even contact with hands. It usually causes mild infections such as bacterial tonsillitis but in rare cases leads to a more serious infection such as necrotizing fasciitis.
For their part, bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus are more virulent and cause more serious cases. They live mainly in warm water, whether salty or brackish (where the sea mixes with fresh water). During the summer, they can infect swimmers and fishermen, but also shellfish and crustaceans. The bacteria is also one of the main causes of death associated with seafood consumption in the United States.
Why are doctors worried?
In addition to the severity of the symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis, doctors are concerned about the increase in cases. Vibrio vulnificus is found in warm waters worldwide. But rising ocean temperatures due to global warming are expanding the habitat areas of the bacteria, which are now found along many coasts. Result, according to a recent studythe number of infections increased eightfold between 1988 and 2018 on the east coast of the United States.
Climate change is also leading to an increase in hurricanes and storms, which according to the US Department of Healthhas been associated with a spike in cases of infection with flesh-eating bacteria.
At the same time, the number of people vulnerable to serious infections, particularly those with diabetes and those receiving immunosuppressive treatment, is increasing in the United States.
Finally, researchers fear that this constant increase in cases, and treatments to deal with them, will ultimately lead to a mutation of the bacteria, which could become resistant to antibiotics and therefore impossible to treat.
How to stem the phenomenon?
American health authorities are calling on the population to be cautious and inviting people with a wound, a new piercing or tattoo to avoid swimming, or to cover the entire unhealed area with a waterproof dressing.
People with hand injuries should also avoid handling raw seafood or fish, and anyone who has come into contact with seafood should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Doctors also remind you of the symptoms to be aware of to quickly diagnose an infection requiring treatment. If a sore swells, reddens, and hurts, it is probably infected. Patients are advised to consult quickly, especially in case of fever. Necrotizing fasciitis can progress quickly, including ulcers, blisters, skin discoloration and pus. If diagnosed, doctors may administer antibiotics intravenously. Damaged tissue should also be removed. If the infection is in an advanced stage, amputation of the limb may be necessary.
2023-09-29 07:51:07
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