Life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is characterized by a rapidly progressing necrosis of subcutaneous fat and fascia, which can be life-threatening without prompt recognition, surgical intervention, and immediate antibiotic therapy. Necrotizing fasciitis has been subdivided into type 1, or polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis, and type 2, or group A streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis.13., 40. In addition, synonyms, such as streptococcal gangrene and “flesh-eating bacteria syndrome,” have been used in the literature.13., 39.