title: Toxic streptococcal syndrome.
abstract: The reappearance of more virulent strains of exotoxin-producing streptococci over the past decade has led to the re-emergence of invasive Group A streptococcal infections and the recognition of a new syndrome resembling staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. Toxic streptococcal syndrome is characterized by fever, shock, multiorgan system failure and a desquamating scarlatiniform rash. It usually occurs in otherwise healthy young adults, often in association with a severe soft tissue infection and has a 30% mortality rate. The case of a 37-year-old obese man, who rapidly developed features of this syndrome after an antecedent pharyngitis and cellulitis, is presented. There was serological evidence of a recent Group A streptococcal infection. Intensive organ supportive measures and intravenous antibiotic therapy led to his gradual recovery.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Stanford
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Georgouras
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Konya
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005098:Exotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005098:Exotoxins