Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an immunocompromised adult

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 1996 Jun;15(6):499-503. doi: 10.1007/BF01691318.

Abstract

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a generalized exfoliative dermatitis complicating infections by exfoliative toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus, is rarely observed in adults. In contrast to mortality in infants, mortality in adults is usually high. A case of generalized staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an immunocompromised woman is reported. Culture of skin biopsy and pleural fluid yielded identical strains of staphylococcus aureus belonging to phage group II. Exfoliative toxins A and B were detected in both isolates. As far as can be determined, this is the first reported case of generalized staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an adult with detection of exfoliate toxins A and B in which the patient was treated successfully.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dermatitis, Exfoliative / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Exfoliative / etiology*
  • Exfoliatins / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome / complications*
  • Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome / drug therapy

Substances

  • Exfoliatins