Abnormal neutrophil chemotaxis and T-lymphocyte function in staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an adult patient.

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a disease rarely reported in adults, developed in a 38-year-old male while on steroid therapy for chronic active hepatitis. Studies of immunologic parameters important in staphylococcal host defense revealed normal opsonic activity and phagocytic function but marked defects in neutrophil chemotaxis and T-lymphocyte function. Compromised host defense appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome in adults.