Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells
09:25

Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells

Published on: August 19, 2016

Streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis with toxic shock syndrome following cervical adenitis

Waheeb Sakran1, Salim Mazzawi, Yosef Merzel

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel. sakran_w@clalit.org.il

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|August 11, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Group A Streptococcus infections are increasing. This case highlights severe necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome in an infant, successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) invasive infections are rising globally.
  • Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection with high morbidity and mortality.
  • Cervical adenitis can be a preceding factor in pediatric GAS infections.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 11-month-old boy presented with cervical adenitis.
  • The patient developed rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome.
  • Blood and necrotic lymph node cultures confirmed Group A Streptococcus M1 serotype, SPE A positive.

Findings:

  • Aggressive treatment including intensive care, surgical debridement, and antibiotics led to full recovery.
  • Penicillin and clindamycin combination therapy was effective against the identified GAS strain.
  • Early recognition and intervention are critical for managing severe GAS infections.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential severity of GAS infections in healthy children.
  • Prompt surgical intervention and appropriate antibiotic selection are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Further research into the increasing prevalence and virulence of GAS strains is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Diphtheria01:28

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...