STSS is the Streptococcal infection
The bacteria enter the body through the skin, throat, or other orifice.
The degree of infection depends on the strain of the bacteria. The strains of Group A Streptococcus
that cause STSS are similar in toxicity to those that cause NF: STSS is just as deadly as NF.
Staphylococcus aureus can also cause STSS.
What are the symptoms of STSS?
Symptoms show up within days of infection. All symptoms are as follows:
How is STSS transmitted?
STSS can be transmitted several ways. Those at risk are those who have a history of using super-absorbent tampons, a history of using a diaphragm or contraceptive sponge, or a history of childbirth or abortion. Also at risk are those with surgical wounds or a local infection in the skin or deep tissue. It is very similar to NF.
How is STSS treated?
Treatment for STSS includes the usage of intravenous antibiotics, intravenous fluids to treat shock and prevent organ damage, cardiac medications in patients with very low blood pressure, and deep surgical cleaning of an infected wound.
Because not all incidents of STSS are reported, the precise number of cases are unknown. However, in the 1990's, the mortality rate was near 50%.
What are the symptoms of STSS?
Symptoms show up within days of infection. All symptoms are as follows:
- Very low blood pressure
- Shock
- Decreased kidney function
- Bleeding problems
- Bruising due to low blood platelet count
- Red, flat rash that covers large areas of the body
- Liver problems
- Shedding of the skin in large sheets especially over the palms of hands and soles of feet (not in all those infected)
- Difficulty breathing
How is STSS transmitted?
STSS can be transmitted several ways. Those at risk are those who have a history of using super-absorbent tampons, a history of using a diaphragm or contraceptive sponge, or a history of childbirth or abortion. Also at risk are those with surgical wounds or a local infection in the skin or deep tissue. It is very similar to NF.
How is STSS treated?
Treatment for STSS includes the usage of intravenous antibiotics, intravenous fluids to treat shock and prevent organ damage, cardiac medications in patients with very low blood pressure, and deep surgical cleaning of an infected wound.
Because not all incidents of STSS are reported, the precise number of cases are unknown. However, in the 1990's, the mortality rate was near 50%.