Group a Trep

Severe, sometimes life-threatening, Group A Streptococcal disease may occur when bacteria get into parts of the body where bacteria usually are not found, such as the blood, muscle, or the lungs. These infections are called "invasive Group A Streptococcal disease." Two of the most severe, but least common, forms of invasive Group A Streptococcal disease are "necrotizing fasciitis" and "Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome". "Necrotizing fasciitis" ( described by the media as "the flesh-eating bacteria") destroys muscles, fat, and skin tissue. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), causes blood pressure to drop rapidly and organs (e.g., kidney, liver, lungs) to fail. STSS is not the same as the "toxic shock syndrome" frequently associated with tampon usage. About 20% of patients with necrotizing fasciitis and more than half with STSS die. About 10%-15% of patients with other forms of invasive group A streptococcal disease die.

Necrotising fasciitis is a very serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia (a sheath of tissue covering the muscle). The bacteria multiply and release toxins and enzymes that result in thrombosis (clotting) in the blood vessels. The result is destruction of the soft tissues and fascia.

Doctors also point out that Streptococcus A is not infectious in what is thought of as the traditional sense. It can not be spread by airborne dispersion, touching, or through fecal matter. It can, however, be spread by transmission of blood or body fluids. Emergency medical providers say that they can prevent the transmission of the disease by use of what are called "universal precautions", or the use of gloves, masks, and standard sanitary procedures.

Two treatments are used with flesh-eating disease. One is the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics such as penicillin, a family of drugs known as "aminoglycosides", or "cephalosporins" are used to kill the flesh-eating bacteria. The second method of treatment is surgery on the infected area. During surgery, dead tissue is cut away so that healthy tissue can grow back. The patient is observed carefully after surgery to make sure that the infection does not return.

About 30 percent of those who are affected by flesh-eating disease eventually die of the infection. People with other disorders, such as diabetes , kidney disease, malnutrition, and obesity , are at especially