Human leukocyte antigen class II haplotypes that protect against or predispose to streptococcal toxic shock

Abstract

In the United States, 1.5-5.2/100,000 persons develop invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections each year, and ∼10%-20% of these patients go on to develop Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Patients who develop STSS usually present with generalized erythema, conjunctivitis, and confusion. Fulminant cardiovascular shock develops over a period of a few hours, accompanied by multiorgan failure. Between 20% and 40% of patients with STSS die, compared with ∼10% of patients with invasive Streptococcal disease without STSS. © 2005 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.