Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome erythroderma is associated with superantigenicity and hypersensitivity

Clin Infect Dis. 2009 Dec 15;49(12):1893-6. doi: 10.1086/648441.

Abstract

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has rarely been reported without rash and desquamation. This study describes a patient who met all criteria for TSS except erythroderma and desquamation. The associated staphylococcal superantigen was enterotoxin B. We demonstrate that erythroderma depends on preexisting T cell hypersensitivity amplified by superantigenicity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Dermatitis, Exfoliative / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Exfoliative / etiology*
  • Enterotoxins / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Shock, Septic / diagnosis
  • Shock, Septic / etiology*
  • Skin Tests
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / etiology*
  • Superantigens / immunology*

Substances

  • Enterotoxins
  • Superantigens
  • enterotoxin B, staphylococcal