Group B streptococcus toxic shock-like syndrome in a healthy woman: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection. The disease entity manifests clinically as fever, hypotension, diffuse macular erythema that progresses to desquamation, and dysfunction of > 3 organ systems. Toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) has the same clinical manifestation as TSS but is caused by Streptococcus, usually group A, C or G. Here we report on a healthy woman who experienced group B Streptococcus (GBS)-related TSLS, possibly related to tampon use.

CASE: A 37-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 1, met the diagnostic criteria for TSS/TSLS 5 days after her last tampon use. Blood, urine and vaginal cultures were positive only for GBS. Analysis of the blood isolate suggested a novel GBS superantigen.

CONCLUSION

This is the second reported case of GBS causing tampon-associated TSS/TSLS. Up to 40% of healthy menstruating women are vaginally colonized with GBS. Superantigens elaborated by staphylococci and streptococci induce an immunologic mediator storm that affects the circulatory and end-organ systems to produce the clinical picture. Prompt medical therapy involves large-volume isotonic fluid resuscitation and antibiotic coverage with vancomycin and an antistaphylococcal beta-lactam. Clindamycin may dampen the immunologic response and endotoxin production. Corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin may be useful adjuncts; however, nonsteroidal antiinflammatories should be avoided.