Related Experiment Videos
Current hypotheses on synergistic microbial gangrene.
1Microbial Pathogenicity Research Group, Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Synergistic bacterial infections cause severe skin infections like necrotizing fasciitis and anaerobic cellulitis. Animal studies confirm bacterial synergy, crucial for understanding these rapidly spreading dermal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Spreading infections of the dermis are a significant clinical concern.
- The role of microbial synergy in the causation of these infections is increasingly recognized.
- Evidence for synergy comes from both clinical observations and animal studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the importance of synergy in the causation of spreading dermal infections.
- To discuss evidence supporting microbial synergy from clinical and animal studies.
- To examine specific conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, anaerobic cellulitis, and Meleney's synergistic postoperative gangrene.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical studies on spreading skin infections.
- Analysis of evidence from laboratory animal studies investigating microbial interactions.
- Examination of specific pathogenic mechanisms in different types of synergistic infections.
Main Results:
- Necrotizing fasciitis can result from beta-hemolytic streptococci, often with Staphylococcus aureus, or mixed aerobic/anaerobic gut flora.
- Animal studies demonstrate Staphylococcus aureus potentiation of beta-hemolytic streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis.
- Synergy is evident in mixed aerobic and anaerobic infections causing anaerobic cellulitis, supported by animal models.
Conclusions:
- Microbial synergy plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of severe spreading skin infections.
- Understanding synergistic interactions is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment of conditions like necrotizing fasciitis.
- While animal models exist for some synergistic infections, further development is needed for others, like necrotizing fasciitis caused by mixed aerobes and anaerobes.