RT Book, Section A1 Stevens, Dennis L. A2 Kasper, Dennis L. A2 Fauci, Anthony S. SR Print(0) ID 1141406077 T1 INFECTIONS OF THE SKIN, MUSCLES, AND SOFT TISSUES T2 Harrison's Infectious Diseases, 3e YR 2017 FD 2017 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781259835971 LK accessbiomedicalscience.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1141406077 RD 2024/04/19 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.