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Table 2 Classification scheme of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) according to Sarani et al.[5]

From: Necrotizing fasciitis: literature review of contemporary strategies for diagnosing and management with three case reports: torso, abdominal wall, upper and lower limbs

Classification characteristic

Most common disease (underline) Incidence (%)

Anatomic localization

Fournier's gangrene of perineum and scrotum

Depth of infection

Necrotizing adiposities

 

fasciitis, myonecrosis

Microbial cause

Type I: polymicrobial/synergistic/70-80% of cases

 

Type II: monomicrobial (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridia spp)/20% of cases

 

Type III: marine related organisms

 

Type IV: fungal

Severity of infection

 

Uncomplicated infections

Superficial: impetigo, ecthyma

 

Deeper: erysipelas, cellulitis

 

Hair follicle associated: folliculitis, furunculosis

 

Abscess: carbuncle, other cutaneous abscesses

Complicated infections

Secondary skin infections

 

Acute wound infection (traumatic, bite related, postoperative)

 

Chronic wound infections (diabetic wound infection, venous stasis ulcers, pressure sores)

 

Perineal cellulitis with/without abscess

Necrotizing fasciitis

 

Polymicrobial fasciitis (Type I)

Fournier's gangrene, synergistic necrotizing cellulitis with fasciitis and myositis

 

Streptococcal gangrene

Monomicrobial fasciitis (Type II)

Marine-related organisms-Vibrio vulneriformis and other Vibrio spp

 

Fungal spp

Myonecrosis

 

Crepitant myonecrosis

Clostridial myonecrosis (traumatic gas gangrene and atraumatic gas gangrene-Clostridium perfrigens and other Clostridial spp)

 

Synergistic necrotizing cellulitis with fasciitis and myositis

Non-crepitant myonecrosis

Streptococcal gangrene with myonecrosis-Aeromonas hydrophila myonecrosis