Definition:

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe life-threatening soft tissue infection characterized by rapidly spreading necrosis of the fascia and the subcutaneous tissue. Although more common in adults, NF also affects the pediatric population. Many bacterial organisms can cause NF, but group A Streptococcus is the most common monomicrobial cause of disease. Other bacterial pathogens that have been implicated in NF include Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium species, and mixed Gram-negative and anaerobic organisms.