[Toxic shock like syndrome due to S. pyogenes (TSLS)]

Resurgence of severe infection, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes was observed in the USA from the middle of the 1980s. Toxic Shock like Syndrome due to Streptococcus pyogenes (TSLS) has been one of the most life-threatening diseases with soft tissue infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis, myositis, bacteremia and shock. Patients with TSLS has been reported in Europe, USA, Canada, etc. The first report of TSLS in Japan was described by Y. Shimizu and his colleague, Asahi General Hospital, Chiba, 1992. Since then more cases of TSLS, diagnosed by CDC's Criteria, have been found in various parts of Japan, including Chiba prefecture. They are characterised by rapid development of shock and death. Some of the isolated strains from blood or tissues have been identified as S. pyogenes, M3, M1 with SPEA (Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A).