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Vaginal toxic shock reaction triggering desquamative inflammatory vaginitis
Nigel Pereira1, Thomas D Edlind, Patrick M Schlievert
1Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. Nigel.Pereira@drexelmed.edu
Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis can be triggered by toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1)-producing Staphylococcus aureus. This study reports two cases linking TSST-1 to this vaginal condition.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) is a rare condition characterized by vaginal inflammation and discharge.
- The etiology of DIV remains largely unknown, with various factors implicated.
Observation:
- This case report details two patients presenting with DIV.
- One patient had an acute presentation, while the other had a chronic condition.
- Both patients were diagnosed via clinical findings and wet mount microscopy.
Findings:
- Vaginal cultures from both patients revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus strains producing toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1).
- Following oral antibiotic treatment, follow-up cultures were negative for S. aureus.
- This suggests a direct link between TSST-1 producing S. aureus and DIV.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that TSST-1-mediated vaginal toxic shock reactions may trigger desquamative inflammatory vaginitis.
- This highlights the importance of considering S. aureus and TSST-1 in the differential diagnosis of DIV.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms involved in TSST-1-induced DIV.
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