Group a Streptococcus causing necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome after medical termination of pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Group A Streptococcus is an aerobic gram-positive bacteria known to cause cutaneous infections. Invasive infections can lead to toxic shock syndrome with multiorgan failure and mortality rates of 25-48%.


METHODS
A healthy, young woman developed necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis, and toxic shock syndrome after an elective medical termination of pregnancy. This patient had confirmed group A Streptococcus on blood cultures and underwent surgical debridement. After aggressive surgical treatment, below-the-knee amputation, and antibiotic therapy, the patient survived.


CONCLUSIONS
This case demonstrates the need for prompt recognition and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis/toxic shock syndrome.
Daif
Jennifer Linda
JL
From the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.
Levie
Mark
M
Chudnoff
Scott
S
Kaiser
Bente
B
Shahabi
Shohreh
S
D000019:Abortifacient Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification; D055815:Young Adult
D000019:Abortifacient Agents; D016595:Misoprostol; D015735:Mifepristone