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Renowned Laboratory Identifies Flesh Eating Bacteria

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:36:55 EST

EMSL Analytical offers environmental testing services to identify bacteria known to cause necrotizing fasciitis.
 
Cinnaminson, NJ, June 8th, 2012
 
In the last several months, millions of Americans have become familiar with the term flesh eating bacteria.  The national media has recently carried several high profile stories of people who have been inflicted with this condition.
 
What most people do not realize is that flesh eating bacteria doesn't actually eat flesh.  Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as "the flesh-eating bacteria", is a rapidly progressing disease which destroys muscles, fat and skin tissue.  Flesh eating bacteria releases toxins that destroy the surrounding tissue.  The term necrotizing refers to something that causes the body's tissue to die. 
 
These infections are generally more likely to occur in people with compromised immune systems.  It may initially reveal itself as little more than a small bump on the skin. Infected people may complain of an intense pain that may seem unusual given the initial appearance of the skin. As the infection progresses, often within just hours, the tissue may become quite swollen.   People with this condition also often report chills, fever, sweating and nausea.
 
As the infection grows it releases harmful toxins that kill surrounding tissues and affects blood flow to the infected part of the body. The surrounding tissue will begin to die and the bacteria may then enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
 
One company that has been at the forefront in helping to identify flesh eating bacteria is EMSL Analytical, Inc.  'Many different types of bacteria can cause this type of infection,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  'They include: Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio vulnificus, Clostridium, Bacteroides fragilis and Aeromonas hydrophila.  Environmental sampling can identify the presence of these, and other, potentially harmful microbial pathogens.'
 
EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about flesh eating bacteria that can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/JkKjZwXy8Xw
 
To learn more about testing for microbial pathogens or other environmental issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.