Development of toxic shock syndrome as one of the causes of mortality in streptococcal infection

Abstract

Toxic shock syndrome is a condition in which a state of shock with a drop in blood pressure to critical numbers and multiple organ failure develops against the background of exposure to endoand exotoxins produced by bacteria and viruses. Every third patient who enters the intensive care unit suffers from certain manifestations of toxic shock syndrome. This term was first introduced in 1978 by the English pediatrician Jim Todd, who observed hyperthermia, hypotension, occurrence of rashes against the background of confusion and severe asthenia in patients. Type B enterotoxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from blood samples of one of the patients, which made it possible to suspect the infectious nature of this process. This pathological condition can be observed with the development of postpartum sepsis, presence of wounds and burn surfaces, including closed wounds, occur against the background of postoperative interventions, or complicate the course of allergic contact dermatitis. Mortality in toxic shock syndrome reaches 5-15%, and if Streptococcus pyogenes acts as the causative agent, the mortality rate can increase several times and reach 50-60%. The main reservoir of streptococcus in the human body is the pharynx, but at the same time it can be found on the surface of the skin, rectal mucosa and vagina. A considerable number of cases of the development of toxic shock syndrome occurs in women who have been using vaginal tampons during menstruation for a long time.