RT Book, Section A1 Stevens, Dennis L. A2 Kasper, Dennis A2 Fauci, Anthony A2 Hauser, Stephen A2 Longo, Dan A2 Jameson, J. Larry A2 Loscalzo, Joseph SR Print(0) ID 1120796343 T1 Infections of the Skin, Muscles, and Soft Tissues T2 Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19e YR 2014 FD 2014 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9780071802154 LK accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1120796343 RD 2022/06/25 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.