title: Necrotizing fasciitis.
abstract: Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening, invasive soft-tissue infection that is characterized by widespread, rapidly developing necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia. It is more likely to occur in patients with a compromised immune system. In type I necrotizing fasciitis, anaerobes and gram-negative bacteria are predominant; in the type II form, the bacterial etiology is group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. The diagnosis must be made on the basis of clinical grounds and is characterized by rapidly developing, painful erythema that progresses to bullous formation and gangrenous necrosis.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kotrappa
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Bansal
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Amin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors