About Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

What it is

Bacteria can cause STSS when they spread into deep tissues and the bloodstream.

Symptoms

First symptoms of STSS often include:

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting

After the first symptoms start, it usually only takes about 24 to 48 hours for low blood pressure to develop. Once this happens, STSS quickly gets much more serious:

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Organ failure (other signs that organs are not working)
• Tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate)
• Tachypnea (rapid breathing)

Examples of organ failure signs: Someone with kidney failure may not make urine. Someone with liver failure may bleed or bruise a lot or their skin and eyes may turn yellow.

Complications

STSS often results in complications from organs shutting down and the body going into shock. Complications can include needing surgery to remove infected tissue or limbs to control the infection.

Even with treatment, STSS can be deadly. Out of 10 people with STSS, as many as 3 people will die from the infection.

Risk factors

Anyone can get STSS, but some factors can increase the risk of getting it.

Age

STSS is most common in older adults (adults 65 years or older).

Infections or injuries that break the skin

People with an open wound are at increased risk for STSS. This can include people who recently had surgery or a viral infection that causes open sores. Varicella, like what causes chickenpox and shingles, is a virus that causes open sores.

However, experts don't know how the bacteria got into the body for nearly half of people who get STSS.

Other health factors

People with diabetes or alcohol use disorder, previously known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism, are at increased risk for STSS.

Causes

Group A Streptococcus (group A strep bacteria) cause STSS.

It is very rare for someone with STSS to spread the infection to other people. However, less severe group A strep infection can turn into STSS and these bacteria are contagious.

Prevention

There are things people can do to protect themselves and others from group A strep infections.

Testing and diagnosis

There is no single test used to diagnose STSS. Instead, healthcare providers may collect blood or other samples to test for group A strep infection. They can also order tests to see how well different organs are working.

Healthcare providers diagnose STSS when the patient has all the following:

• A group A strep infection
• Low blood pressure
• Problems with 2 or more organs

Organs that can be affected by STSS include:

• Blood
• Kidney
• Liver
• Lung
• Skin
• Soft tissue (tissue beneath the skin and muscles)

Treatment and recovery

Healthcare providers treat STSS with antibiotics.

People with STSS need care in a hospital. They often need fluids given through a vein and other treatments to help treat shock and organ failure. Many people with STSS also need surgery to remove infected tissue.