Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Published on: February 10, 2011

22.2K

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome presenting as septic knee arthritis in a 5-year-old child

Basil J Alwattar1, Allan Strongwater, Debra A Sala

  • 1Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY 10003, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|December 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Group A Streptococcus infections, including toxic shock syndrome, are increasing in children. Early recognition of streptococcal joint infections is crucial for prompt orthopaedic intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is a significant pediatric pathogen.
  • An increasing incidence of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) has been observed.
  • Musculoskeletal pain is a common early symptom of STSS, often prompting orthopaedic consultation.

Observation:

  • This case report details a 5-year-old child initially presenting with septic arthritis of the knee.
  • The patient's final diagnosis was confirmed as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
  • The presentation highlights the potential for severe streptococcal infections to manifest as joint pathology.

Findings:

  • Septic arthritis can be an initial presentation of STSS in children.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are critical for favorable outcomes in STSS.
  • Orthopaedic involvement is frequently necessary in managing streptococcal joint infections.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the emergent nature of streptococcal joint infections in pediatric patients.
  • Highlights the importance of considering STSS in children with septic arthritis.
  • Underscores the need for judicious orthopaedic intervention in suspected streptococcal joint infections.

More Related Videos

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction10:35

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

Published on: December 3, 2017

12.6K
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults04:41

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults

Published on: February 25, 2022

10.8K

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
4.0K
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
1.0K
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...
150
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...
187
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
31
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
45