Definition – What is a Fournier ́sche Gangrene?
Fournier gangrene is a special form of necrotizing fasciitis and occurs in the genital, perineal and anal regions. This leads to a bacterial infection, which in turn causes an increased circulatory disturbance and leads to the death of the skin. The bacteria spread within the fasciae (fasciitis) and can enter the blood system where they trigger a systemic reaction. A Fournier Gangrene is an absolute emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. Despite therapy, a Fournier gangrene is associated with a mortality rate of more than 20-50%.
Causes
The cause of Fournier’s gangrene is an infection with, mostly anaerobic, bacteria such as streptococci, Escherichia coli or clostridia. Anaerobic bacteria multiply in areas free of oxygen and react very sensitively to the presence of oxygen. Possible sources of infection are mainly the anal region, the skin and the urinary tract.
From there the bacteria spread through the fascia and reach the genitals. Men are significantly more frequently affected by Fournier’s gangrene than women. The infection leads to thrombosis (blockage) of the superficial blood vessels, which in turn leads to an undersupply of oxygen.
The result is a rapidly progressing gangrene, followed by the death (necrotization) of the skin. Often the bacteria produce so-called toxins (poisons) and release them. It is also possible that the bacteria are carried over into the blood system, which can lead to sepsis (systemic blood poisoning).
Risk factors for a Fournier gangrene are diabetes, a weakened immune system, chronic alcohol consumption, smoking and overweight. A Fournier’s gangrene is a disease of the reproductive organs, but it is not a typical venereal disease. In contrast to typical venereal diseases such as chlamydia, syphilis or AIDS, Fournier’s gangrene is not transmitted via sexual intercourse.
The infection usually comes from the body’s own regions or for example through injections. However, since a Fournier Gangrene is a bacterial infection, it should always be treated with caution. Mostly it is a harmless pathogen, which belongs to the natural bacterial flora of humans. In principle, however, an infection with untypical pathogens is also possible and can become dangerous for contact persons.
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