Effect of anti-TNF-alpha treatment in an antibiotic treated murine model of shock due to Streptococcus pyogenes.

Experimentally, Gram-negative septic shock can be prevented by the prophylactic use of an anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody. The clinical similarity between Gram-negative and Gram-positive septic shock suggested that anti-TNF-alpha therapy might have a wide application. Increased levels of TNF-alpha were seen in a murine model of septic shock due to Streptococcus pyogenes but administration of an anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody had no beneficial effect on the outcome.