RT Book, Section
A1 Stevens, Dennis L.
A2 Jameson, J. Larry
A2 Fauci, Anthony S.
A2 Kasper, Dennis L.
A2 Hauser, Stephen L.
A2 Longo, Dan L.
A2 Loscalzo, Joseph
SR Print(0)
ID 1159153348
T1 Infections of the Skin, Muscles, and Soft Tissues
T2 Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20e
YR 2018
FD 2018
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781259644016
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1159153348
RD 2020/10/30
AB Skin  and  soft  tissue  infections  occur  in  all  races,  all  ethnic  groups,  and  all  geographic  locations,  although  some  have  unique  geographic  niches.  In  modern  times,  the  frequency  and  severity  of  some  skin  and  soft  tissue  infections  have  increased  for  several  reasons.  First,  microbes  are  rapidly  disseminated  throughout  the  world  via  efficient  air  travel,  acquiring  genes  for  virulence  factors  and  antibiotic  resistance.  Second,  natural  disasters,  such  as  earthquakes,  tsunamis,  tornadoes,  and  hurricanes,  appear  to  be  increasing  in  frequency,  and  the  injuries  sustained  during  these  events  commonly  cause  major  skin  and  soft-tissue  damage  that  predisposes  to  infection.  Third,  trauma  and  casualties  resulting  from  combat  and  terrorist  activities  can  markedly  damage  or  destroy  tissues  and  provide  both  endogenous  and  exogenous  pathogens  with  ready  access  to  deeper  structures.  Unfortunately,  because  the  marvels  of  modern  medicine  may  not  be  available  during  human-instigated  and  natural  disasters,  primary  treatment  may  be  delayed  and  the  likelihood  of  severe  infection  and  death  increased.