necrotizing fasciitis

Main Entry: necrotizing fasciitis
Function: noun
: a severe soft tissue infection typically by Group A streptococci or by a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria thatis marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissues with involvement of the fascia and widespread undermining of adjacent tissue, by painful red swollen skin over affected areas, and bypolymorphonuclear leukocytosis and that usually occurs as a complication of surgery, injury, or infection by extension from the initially affected site

necrotizing fasciitis n.
Tissue death such as that associated with group A streptococcus infection.

necrotizing fasciitis

rapidly spreading infection of the underlying skin and fat layers caused by a variety of pathogenic bacteria, principally Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as the group A streptococcus. Popularly known as the flesh-eating disease, necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon condition, but it can lead to life-threatening illness and death, with mortality rates approaching 50 percent

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