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Toxic shock syndrome in a scald burn victim
Insights
A burn victim developed toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by Staphylococcus aureus producing staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). This is the first reported case of SEB-induced TSS in a burn patient.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Burn Care Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Burn injuries increase susceptibility to infections.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a severe, life-threatening condition.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen in burn wound infections.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient with 12% total body surface area superficial and partial-thickness burns presented with signs of TSS within 48 hours.
- Clinical manifestations included high fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, conjunctival hyperemia, and erythroderma.
- Cultures from burn wounds and skin pustules identified Staphylococcus aureus.
Findings:
- The isolated Staphylococcus aureus strain was confirmed to produce staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB).
- This case represents the first documented instance of SEB-mediated TSS in a burn patient.
- The findings highlight a rare but severe complication of burn injuries.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider TSS in burn patients presenting with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
- Early recognition and management of SEB-producing Staphylococcus aureus are crucial in burn care.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring for unusual infections and their causative agents in immunocompromised patients, such as burn victims.
Abstract:
A child with 12% total body surface area superficial and partial-thickness burns was admitted to the Oregon Burn Center. Within 48 hours of admission, signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) were present including high spiking fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, conjunctival hyperemia, and a diffuse macular erythroderma. Cultures of skin pustules and burn wounds grew Staphylococcus aureus. This strain has been shown to produce staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). This case appears to be the first reported of toxic shock syndrome in a burn victim caused by staphylococcal enterotoxin B.