Toxic shock syndrome

Abstract

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are able to produce superantigens, which bypass normal antigen presentation and cause a clonal T-cell expansion and uncontrolled release of proinflammatory mediators, which results in severe multiple organ failure. Despite high morbidity and mortality, the disease is underdiagnosed. In order to reduce morbidity and mortality early diagnosis and treatment with a combination of beta-lactam antibiotics, clindamycin and intravenous immunoglobulin is essential, which is underlined in this review