A severe bacterial infection that causes cell tissue to decay rapidly.
Also known as cellulitis (often referred to in the popular media as ‘flesh-eating killer-bug’ infection). A potentially lethal infection caused by the gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, which has the property of producing dangerous exotoxins. The infection, which starts in the layer of fascia under the skin, may spread very rapidly, destroying tissue as it spreads. Urgent antibiotic treatment may check the infection, but major surgery is sometimes required to remove the damaged skin and underlying tissues such as muscle, in order to prevent death.