Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
05:52
Lipopolysaccharide Infusion as a Porcine Endotoxemic Shock Model
Published on: December 8, 2023
[Toxic shock syndrome in 3 children]
M van der Meulen1, E P M van Elzakker, L van Veen
1Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Reinier de Graafweg 3-11, 2625 AD Delft.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|October 1, 2004
Summary
Three children contracted severe infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus strains carrying toxin genes. Early diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is crucial due to its life-threatening nature.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that can cause various infections.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious complication of certain bacterial infections.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of severe illness were reported in a general hospital within one year.
- A 16-year-old girl presented with vaginal discharge, and a 10-year-old girl had a panaritium.
- A 2-year-old boy developed a fatal illness after consuming contaminated cold meat.
Findings:
- Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from all three patients harbored the toxic-shock-toxin-1-gene and/or the enterotoxin-A-gene.
- The girls recovered after antibiotic treatment and surgical intervention for the panaritium.
- The boy's illness was rapidly fatal despite unknown interventions.
Implications:
- These cases suggest that Toxic Shock Syndrome may be underdiagnosed.
- Prompt identification and treatment of TSS are critical for patient survival.
- Understanding the genetic basis of Staphylococcus aureus virulence is essential for public health.
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