Why is the Necrotizing Fasciitis or the flesh eating bacteria called the super bug?

 A bacterial infection is effectively treated with antibiotics which are also called the miracle medicines. However the power of antibiotics also mean that if used indiscriminately, the effectiveness against bacteria will reduce. 

Let's just say it is natures way to fightback by making bacteria drug resistant. One such case is that of the infamous flesh eating bacteria. The word "Necrotising fasciitis" was first used by Wilson in 1952 but the first medical record is as old as 4th Century BC by Hippocrates who first described it. In recent years it became more and more known as Hospital Gangrene. It is caused by bacteria in conditions such as crowded places like prison, un-hygenic places like overcrowded slums and places where bacteria can resist drugs like a hospital which is treating large number of patients. 

The problem with this type of bacterial infection is that it can lead to death in a matter of days. 

In case of the flesh eating bacteria majority of the time it is the Methicillin Resistant Staphyloccus Aureus bacteria which is the common cause for this flesh eating infection. 

The only cause of this disease is a cut or tear in the skin. Infection usually happens only if the wound is not cleaned and dressed properly. It can also be caused due to the reason which has caused the wound like a sharp object. Fever, swelling. pain usually follows, but it is difficult to tell if it is because of the wound or the infection. Most of the reasons for delay in diagnosis is because of this reason. It is only when the swelling or rash starts spreading around, it can be a cause to worry. Upto a certain stage a combination of antibiotics can cure this infection. Anything later will require a surgery or even an amputation.

Flesh eating bacteria is caused by the MRSA which is drug resistant. That is why this bacteria is now called the superbug. 

Obesity, diabetes and alcohol can accelerate the effects of the superbug putting people affected with it as risk. If you have a history of problems with low immunity, you should be careful. Another important point to note is that poor hygiene and un hygienic places are a breeding ground for such bacteria and it is better to avoid such places. 

Be extremely careful while visiting foreign countries and avoid staying at budget destinations. World tourism these days is stressed beyond it's seams, especially after the onslaught of Covid. 

In case it is a wound, you need to go to a good hospital to get it cleaned and treated. Do not cut costs early on.