Necrotizing fasciitis in children with special reference to anaerobes

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive and potentially fatal infection. It is a rare infectious entity that posses challenging diagnostic and therapeutic management for a pediatric surgeon. Anaerobic bacteria are the predominant flora in the normal human skin and mucous membranes and are, therefore, a common cause of endogenous infections. Infections due to anaerobes are often polymicrobial, and include aerobic and facultative bacteria. Some predisposing conditions are found to be associated with the recovery of certain anaerobe organisms. This review aims to give a better understanding of the etiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis in children with special emphasis on the role of anaerobes.