J Pediatr Infect Dis 2009; 04(01): 047-052
DOI: 10.3233/JPI-2009-0150
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Necrotizing fasciitis in children with special reference to anaerobes

Anand Pandey
a   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
,
Ajay N. Gangopadhyay
a   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
,
Shiv P. Sharma
a   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
,
Vijayendra Kumar
a   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
,
Vijai D. Upadhyaya
a   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
› Author Affiliations

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

01 September 2008

15 September 2008

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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.