Toxic shock syndrome due to group C streptococci. A case report

Intensive Care Med. 1996 Sep;22(9):985-9. doi: 10.1007/BF02044129.

Abstract

Background: Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome is a life-threatening illness which is on the increase. In early reports, only group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus was associated with the disease, but recent evidence indicates non-A streptococci groups are also involved.

Observations: We describe the first reported case of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome caused by a group C strain in Italy. Prior to the disease, the patient, a 46-year-old man, had been in good health and had only a 3-day history of sore throat, low grade fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and myalgia before admission. Initially, diagnosis was based only on clinical evidence: shock, multiorgan failure, profound hypothermia, and no apparent signs of infection. Toxic cardiomyopathy was also present.

Results: Positive throat swab and blood culture confirmed a "definite case" following established criteria. Anamnesis showed a diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy. Antibiotic treatment was begun immediately on admission of the patient, who was discharged 20 days later in good health.

Conclusions: This case illustrates how an early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic therapy can determine a more favorable outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Lymphocyte Subsets
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraproteinemias / complications
  • Serotyping
  • Shock, Septic / blood
  • Shock, Septic / complications
  • Shock, Septic / microbiology*
  • Streptococcal Infections / blood
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Streptococcus / classification*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G