S. Pyogenes & Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that occurs secondary to another infection in the body and in considered a medical emergency. Failure to receive treatment can result in death. Toxic shock syndrome may be caused by either staphylococcal or streptococcal organisms, including S. pyogenes.
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Basics
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S. pyogenes, or streptococcus pyogenes, is one of the many bacteria of the streptococcal strains. S. pyogenes, a gram positive bacteria.
Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, occurs rarely and is a severe complication of a bacterial infection, most often associated with the use of super absorbent tampons or contraceptive sponges. Although it is commonly thought that only menstruating women can develop toxic shock syndrome, men, children and non-menstruating women can also develop this blood infection.
Background
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The Online Textbook of Bacteriology reports that S. pyogenes is one of the most frequently occurring pathogens, with 5 to 15 percent of the population having the organism in their bodies, although not causing disease unless immunity is compromised or the bacteria develop a method to break through the body's normal defenses.
Although it is commonly thought that only menstruating women can develop toxic shock syndrome, men, children and non-menstruating women can also develop this blood infection. Toxic shock syndrome develops from an already occurring infection within the body, from either a staph or strep infection, including S. pyogenes. Most often the primary infections caused by S. pyogenes are in the respiratory or skin systems.
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Symptoms
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The onset of toxic shock syndrome is rapid and may begin with such generalized symptoms as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The causative organism of the toxic shock syndrome, whether staph or strep, including S. pyogenes, make no difference in the symptoms and effects of toxic shock syndrome.
Other symptoms for which to be watchful: a suddenly occurring high fever; low blood pressure; skin rash looking like a sunburn, occurring most often on the soles of your feet and palms of your hands; muscle or head aches; confusion; seizures may occur; dizziness; redness of throat, eyes, mouth.
Prevalence
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Toxic shock syndrome, no matter what the causative organism, is a rare disease. Many people are not aware that people other than menstruating women may develop this life-threatening disease. People who have received burns, piercings, post surgery, had chickenpox or experienced any openings in the skin for any reason are also at risk for developing TSS.
Toxic shock syndrome may re-occur in those who have already experienced it.
Toxic shock syndrome can be successfully treated; early diagnosis is essential.
Warning
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Contact a health-care provider immediately if you observe some or most of these symptoms, particularly if you are or have been recently menstruating or have an open area or wound.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit kaibara87, http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons
