A new scientific study evaluating epidemiological data from the United States of America has predicted that the number of infections caused by “flesh” bacteria could increase in the next few decades. This is happening as a result of climate change, which includes rising average temperatures.
It is commonly known as the “flesh-eating” bacterium, but its scientific name is Vibrio vulnerus. Infection with this pathogen can be contracted through previous injuries, and people with liver disease or taking medications that reduce the body’s ability to fight microbes may be at greater risk.
The bacterium infects warm, shallow seawater and can infect a bite or insect in contact with seawater. Although the pathogen is most common in North America, people have already been diagnosed with the infection in South American countries, such as Brazil and Uruguay.
The work was led by researchers at the University of East Anglia in the UK. They showed that the number of bacterial infections in the eastern United States has gone from 10 to 80 a year in a 30-year period.
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In the late 1980s, infestations were reported in the Gulf of Mexico and along the southern Atlantic coast, but were rare north of Georgia. Today it can be found even further north in the states of Philadelphia.
The researchers predicted that from the years 2041-2060, infections would spread to major population centers around New York. With an increased and aging population exposed to infection, the annual number of cases could double. In the years 2081-2100, contamination could be present in all eastern US states under the medium to high future emissions and fueling scenarios.
The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports. The researchers considered the results important because, although the number is not large, one in five people infected with V. is likely to die. In addition, it is the most expensive marine pathogen to treat in the United States.
The disease reaches its peak in the summer, when the bacteria quickly and severely damage the human body. Hence it is known that the “flesh” is a disease, and many of the surviving members are cut off.
Lead study author Elizabeth Archer, a postgraduate researcher in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia, said: “The resulting spread of infections increases the need for greater awareness and public health in affected areas. This is crucial, as it is urgently needed, as diseases appear to avoid major health consequences.” .
They take place annually in Uruguay.
Signs of infection
Signs and symptoms of Vibrio vulcanus infection may include diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In diseases of the blood, fever, chills, dangerously high blood pressure may occur; and skin lesions.
Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours after the bacteria has hit the wound or been eaten.
“Greenhouse gas emissions from our human activities change the climate and their effects can be particularly serious on the world’s coasts, which constitute a great boundary between natural ecosystems and human beings and the main source of diseases. Human,” Sagittarius said.
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They take place annually in Uruguay. Since that time, several infections have occurred annually. Last year, researchers from the Hospital de Clínicas University of Buenos Aires reported a case of severe skin and soft tissue infection by “flesh-eating” bacteria.
A 33-year-old patient with an open wound due to a car accident and flooded with water from the Río de la Plata from the coast of Uruguay. After receiving medical attention, antibiotics were indicated and the patient was able to resolve the infection favorably.
