Toxic shock-like syndrome caused by non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci.
Two patients with rapidly developing shock, multisystem organ failure, and destructive soft-tissue infection caused by groups G and C streptococci are described. Both patients died rapidly despite aggressive treatment. The clinical characteristics cannot be distinguished from those of toxic shock-like syndrome, but Streptococcus pyogenes was not recovered. These strains did not produce any previously identified type of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. These findings suggest that toxic shock-like syndrome can be caused not only by group A but also groups G and C streptococci. The causative strains of toxic shock-like syndrome may have something in common with unknown virulent factors for this syndrome.
Hirose
Y
Y
Emergency and Critical Care Medical Center, Niigata City General Hospital, Japan.
Yagi
K
K
Honda
H
H
Shibuya
H
H
Okazaki
E
E
D000368:Aged; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000382:microbiology*; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000382:microbiology*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes