Related Experiment Videos
[Staphylococcal toxic shock in children]
Insights
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can occur in children following injury or surgery. Early diagnosis and understanding Staphylococcus aureus toxin involvement are crucial for managing this severe condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe, multi-system illness.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen implicated in TSS.
- The role of toxins, like TSST-1, in TSS pathogenesis is well-established.
Observation:
- This report details two pediatric cases of TSS.
- TSS onset occurred 5-10 days post-medical intervention (surgery or injury).
- Clinical presentation aligned with the 1982 CDC case definition for TSS.
Findings:
- Staphylococcus aureus strains producing toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST) were isolated from the infection sites in both cases.
- The study confirms the etiological role of TSST-producing Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric TSS.
- Mediators like Interleukin-I and Tumor Necrosis Factor are implicated in the severe manifestations of TSS.
Implications:
- These cases highlight that TSS can manifest following seemingly unrelated events like accidental injury or surgery.
- The latency period between inciting event and TSS onset can vary.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for TSS in pediatric patients presenting with compatible symptoms, even with a delayed onset.
Abstract:
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is reported in 2 children. TSS occurred 10 days after an accidental injury of the fore foot in one case and 5 days following surgery for severe uretero-vesical reflux in the other. The clinical illness was defined by the case definition formulated for epidemiologic studies (CDC, 1982). The diagnosis was confirmed by isolation of a Staphylococcus aureus strain producing TSST, at the infected site. Toxin-induced mediators such as interleukin I and Tumor Necrosis Factor have been incriminated in septic shock with multivisceral involvement. As in our 2 cases, the syndrome may be delayed or even absent.