Abstract
Viridians streptococcal shock syndrome is a subtype of toxic shock syndrome. Frequently, the diagnosis is missed initially because the clinical features are nonspecific. However, it is a rapidly progressive disease, manifested by hypotension, rash, palmar desquamation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome within a short period. The disease course is generally fulminant and rarely presents initially as a purpura over the plantar region. We present a case of a 54-year-old female hospital worker diagnosed with viridians streptococcal shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus gordonii. Despite aggressive antibiotic treatment, fluid hydration, and use of inotropes and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the patient succumbed to the disease. Early diagnosis of the potentially fatal disease followed by a prompt antibiotic regimen and appropriate use of steroids are cornerstones in the management of this disease to reduce the risk of high morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute, toxin-mediated, and life-threatening illness, generally precipitated by infection with either Staphylococcus aureus or group A betahemolytic Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes)
We present a case of a 54-year-old female with S. gordonii-related VSSS with a fatal outcome
The blood culture in our patient yielded S. gordonii, which belongs to the S. sanguinis group, and is one of the viridians group streptococci (VGS), a genetically heterogeneous group of bacteria predominating in the human oropharynx [15]
Summary
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute, toxin-mediated, and life-threatening illness, generally precipitated by infection with either Staphylococcus aureus or group A betahemolytic Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes). It is characterized by high fever, rash, hypotension, multiorgan failure (involving at least three or more organ systems), and desquamation, typically of the palms and soles, 1-2 weeks after the onset of acute illness. The VGS are pathogens with low virulence that are generally commensal in the oral cavity, upper airways, the gastrointestinal tract, and the female genital tract [3,4,5] These organisms may Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology (a). We present a case of a 54-year-old female with S. gordonii-related VSSS with a fatal outcome
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have