Identifying Flesh-Eating Bacteria and Other Environmental Pathogens

Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating bacteria or flesh-eating disease, is a rare but severe type of infection that progresses rapidly. The bacteria that cause it most commonly enter the body through a break in the skin where they then begin to destroy muscle, fat and skin tissue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is believed to be the most common cause. The agency also warns that bacteria that live in water, including Vibrio vulnificus, can also cause necrotizing fasciitis. Some of the other types of bacteria often mentioned include Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, Aeromonas hydrophila and others.

While anyone could get this rare infection, most people who get it have other health problems that lower their body’s ability to fight infections. Some of those conditions that weaken the body’s immune system listed by CDC include:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Cancer

“Fortunately, a person’s chances of getting necrotizing fasciitis is extremely low,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It should be noted that some of the same types of bacteria that cause this type of infection are also associated with healthcare-associated infections, food poisoning, sewage contamination and other detrimental conditions.”

To help protect against exposure to microbial pathogens, EMSL Analytical offer environmental, infection control, food and product testing services to identify a wide range of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. EMSL has also recently sponsored an educational video about flesh-eating bacteria and potential exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/PTZaEtZa_Z8

To learn more about microbial testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail