Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Revealed by a Peritonitis. Case Report and Review of the Literature

Group A streptococcus (GAS) or Streptococcus pyogenes cause a variety of life-threatening infectious complications including necrotizing fasciitis, purpura fulminans and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Exotoxins that act as superantigens are felt to be responsible for STSS. These exotoxins are highly destructive to skin, muscle and soft tissue. This syndrome has a rapid and fulminant course with frequently fatal outcome. GAS remains sensitive to penicillin but in serious infection a combination of clindamycin and ceftriaxone or meropenemum is recommended. Several studies have shown that mortality was dramatically reduced in STSS patients treated with immunoglobulin G given intravenously (IVIG). Early recognition of this most rapidly progressive infection and prompt operative debridement are required for successful management. This report presents a female patient at two month post-partum with a peritonitis and multi-organ failure.