Causes of Flesh-eating Bacteria
Bacteria belonging to the group A streptococcus (GAS) family frequently cause necrotizing fasciitis. It is also the same kind of bacteria that causes strep throat. However, several bacterial species, including staphylococcus and others, have also been connected to the condition.
These kinds of bacteria can infect the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue beneath the skin, and cause necrotizing fasciitis.
Flesh-eating bacteria transmission
The body can be exposed to the germs that cause necrotizing fasciitis through:
- surgical incisions
- injuries from puncture or another type
- Burns
- Minor cuts
- Bites by insects
- Bruises
Sometimes it’s unclear how the infection started. Once it takes hold, the infection quickly kills off fat, muscle, and skin tissue.
Your risk of contracting flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) may increase if you have a weakened immune system or certain illnesses. Having the following medical problems may increase your risk:
- Alcoholism
- Cancer [2]
- Childhood chicken pox [3]
- Diabetes [4]
- Cirrhosis [5]
- Chronic kidney disease
- Lung disease, such as tuberculosis [6]
- Heart disease that affects the heart valves
- Using steroids
- Peripheral vascular disease [7]
- Use of IV drugs