RESUMEN
Background: Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a life-threatening condition caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS). Streptococcus pyogenes is the main causative agent of this disease; other BHS such as Streptococcus agalactiae or Streptococcus dysgalactiae could also cause STSS. However, the clinical characteristics of STSS caused by other types of BHS remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the likelihood of STSS development in various streptococcal species. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using adult medical records of patients with invasive BHS in a tertiary care institution from 2002 to 2022 and classified them into STSS or non-STSS groups. Multivariable analysis of bacterial species adjusted for age and diabetes mellitus was conducted. S pyogenes cases were propensity-matched (1:4) to non-pyogenes BHS cases. Results: A total of 43 STSS and 285 non-STSS cases were identified. S pyogenes, S agalactiae, and S dysgalactiae accounted for 17, 13, and 13 STSS cases, respectively. The crude mortality of STSS was approximately 35% in all groups. A multivariable analysis suggested that STSS was less frequent in S agalactiae and S dysgalactiae cases with odds ratio 0.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.54; P < .001) and 0.23 (95% CI, .10-.55; P < .001), respectively. Propensity score matching showed that S pyogenes caused STSS more frequently than other BHS cases with an odds ratio of 3.28 (95% CI 1.21-8.77; P = .010). Conclusions: This study described and compared the clinical characteristics of STSS caused by different BHS. We demonstrated that S pyogenes caused STSS more often than other BHS.
RESUMEN
Objective: This study aims to enhance understanding of necrotizing pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome by analyzing an adult case of community-acquired necrotizing pneumonia caused by co-infection of Influenza A (H1N1) and Staphylococcus aureus with LukS-PV and LukF-PV virulence factor genes. Method: The clinical data of one patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with co-infection of Influenza A (H1N1) and Staphylococcus aureus was retrospectively analyzed. Results: The patient exhibited typical clinical manifestations of viral and Staphylococcus aureus co-infection, including necrotizing pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome. The presence of LukS-PV and LukF-PV virulence factor genes of Staphylococcus aureus was detected in the patient's bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Unfortunatelyï¼although antiviral agents (oseltamivir) and antibiotics (linezolid, imipenem-cilastatin) were timely administrated, as well as corticosteroids for anti-inflammatory purposes, the patient's condition was progressively deteriorated and eventually led to death. Conclusion: Clinical practitioners should be vigilant about the co-infection of Influenza virus and Staphylococcus aureus, particularly when the latter carries virulence factors. The presence of virulence factor genes of Staphylococcus aureus can lead to necrotizing pneumonia with a poor prognosis. This is a particular concern because both infections can be life threatening in young adults.
RESUMEN
Emergency nursing in Gaza's war zone presents innumerable challenges when caring for female patients in a depleted health care system. Negative health outcomes specifically impact women of all ages due to lack of access to menstrual products, prenatal and primary care, private bathrooms, medication, essential nutrition, and clean water. The massive destruction of infrastructure and consequent internal displacement of millions has led to a rise in infectious diseases. The few remaining functional hospitals depend heavily on foreign medical delegations for supplies, which results in a lack of standardized treatment for women's health complaints. Emergency departments must also navigate overcrowding, lack of basic supplies and specialists, and prioritization of daily mass casualty incidents from nearby explosions. These obstacles make treatment, discharge teaching, and follow-up care for women's health difficult to implement. Despite these arduous circumstances, Gazan health care professionals find innovative solutions to improve outcomes and reduce harm while honoring the cultural and religious preferences of their female patients.
RESUMEN
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe complication of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children. This syndrome manifests about a month after the initial viral infection and is characterized by fever, multiorgan dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. This chapter will review the emergence, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, pathophysiology, immunomodulatory treatment, prognosis, outcomes, and prevention of MIS-C. While the pathophysiology of MIS-C remains to be defined, it is a post-infection, hyperinflammatory syndrome of childhood with elevated inflammatory cytokines.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica , Humanos , COVID-19/complicaciones , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/virología , COVID-19/epidemiología , Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica/terapia , Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica/inmunología , Niño , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/patogenicidad , Pronóstico , Citocinas/metabolismoRESUMEN
Streptococcus suis infection in humans occurs due to consuming raw or undercooked pork meat and after contact with pigs. The highest prevalence occurs in Southeast Asian countries, which have the largest pork industry. We report the first case of a 50-year-old healthy male patient from a rural area of São Paulo, Brazil, with septicemia from undercooked pork meat ingestion. The patient was diagnosed at the emergency department with septicemia and multiple organ dysfunctions, including streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Blood cultures yielded the growth of S. suis. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone and was maintained for two weeks, according to sensitivity tests. The outcome was favorable but developed deafness as a sequela. This report aims to give importance to recognizing this disease regarding typical signs and symptoms and occupational and epidemiological history.
RESUMEN
Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rare, yet potentially fatal disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) enterotoxins, known as superantigens, which trigger an intense immune response. Our previous study demonstrated the protective effect of tofacitinib against murine toxin-induced shock and a beneficial effect against S. aureus sepsis. In the current study, we examined the effects of tofacitinib on T-cell response in peripheral blood using a mouse model of enterotoxin-induced shock. Our data revealed that tofacitinib suppresses the activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood. Furthermore, both gene and protein levels of Th1 cytokines were downregulated by tofacitinib treatment in mice with enterotoxin-induced shock. Importantly, we demonstrated that CD4+ cells, but not CD8+ cells, are pathogenic in mice with enterotoxin-induced shock. In conclusion, our findings suggest that tofacitinib treatment suppresses CD4+ T-cell activation and Th1 response, thereby aiding in protection against staphylococcal toxic shock in mice. This insight may guide the future development of novel therapies for STSS.
Asunto(s)
Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos , Activación de Linfocitos , Piperidinas , Pirimidinas , Choque Séptico , Infecciones Estafilocócicas , Células TH1 , Animales , Piperidinas/farmacología , Piperidinas/uso terapéutico , Células TH1/inmunología , Células TH1/efectos de los fármacos , Células TH1/metabolismo , Pirimidinas/farmacología , Pirimidinas/uso terapéutico , Choque Séptico/tratamiento farmacológico , Choque Séptico/inmunología , Choque Séptico/inducido químicamente , Ratones , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/metabolismo , Activación de Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/inmunología , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/microbiología , Enterotoxinas , Staphylococcus aureus/efectos de los fármacos , Citocinas/metabolismo , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/metabolismo , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Femenino , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Superantígenos/inmunologíaRESUMEN
Invasive disease due to group A Streptococcus infection results in a large spectrum of clinical manifestations. In the neonatal period, the occurrence is rare and potentially serious. We present a case of a term male newborn on the 9th day of life who was admitted to the emergency room with moaning and poor feeding. The patient was hemodynamically unstable needing mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. Mother and father had clinical symptoms of pharyngitis. Blood samples revealed high serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia, hepatic cytolysis, and cholestasis. He started on IV ampicillin, gentamicin, and cefotaxime. Due to an abdominal distension, an ultrasound was done showing a heterogenous hepatic lobe. A color Doppler scan completed the study revealing a left hepatic thrombosis. Enoxaparin was started. The newborn's blood culture and mother's milk were positive for the same strain of group A Streptococcus. Intravenous immunoglobulin and clindamycin were added to the treatment. On day 5 of treatment, inotropic support was ceased and extubation took place on day 6. Neonatologists should be aware of rare complications of group A Streptococcus infection such as thrombotic events.
RESUMEN
Thermal injury-associated toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening condition that can occur in children following burn injuries. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes of children who experienced TSS following a thermal injury. Additionally, the existing literature was systematically examined, and published cases of pediatric TSS occurring after burns were compiled. In June 2023, without regard for time constraints, articles that met the criteria were searched across several electronic databases. The inclusion criteria were English-language publications, pediatric patients, and reported outcomes of interest for clinical questions. Due to the heterogeneity of the included publications and the lack of data in an appropriate format, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Our research identified 23 studies published between 1980 and 2023, including 72 cases (from multiple countries) that met the inclusion criteria. Of the 72 patients with thermal injuries complicated by TSS, 53 (73.6%) children survived, 6 (8.3%) died, and for 13 (18%) cases, the outcome was not documented. Our systematic review highlights the rarity, severity, and complexity of pediatric thermal injury-associated TSS. Key findings from the review indicate that pediatric thermal injury-associated TSS carries a high mortality rate and significant morbidity. By increasing awareness, improving diagnostic accuracy, and optimizing treatment strategies, healthcare professionals can improve patient outcomes in this challenging condition.
RESUMEN
A 66-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis and hemodialysis was referred with a 1-week history of pain and rash on the left lower leg. On an examination, the patient was in shock. She was administered catecholamine support for septic shock and ampicillin/sulbactam for severe cellulitis. Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) was isolated from the blood culture, and she was diagnosed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Despite therapy, the patient died on day 7 of admission. Infective endocarditis (IE) was diagnosed during an autopsy. Clinicians should be aware that overwhelming SDSE-IE can occur even in the absence of necrotizing fasciitis, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Asunto(s)
Autopsia , Endocarditis Bacteriana , Choque Séptico , Infecciones Estreptocócicas , Streptococcus , Humanos , Choque Séptico/microbiología , Choque Séptico/diagnóstico , Femenino , Anciano , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/diagnóstico , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/complicaciones , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Streptococcus/aislamiento & purificación , Resultado Fatal , Endocarditis Bacteriana/microbiología , Endocarditis Bacteriana/diagnóstico , Endocarditis Bacteriana/complicaciones , Endocarditis Bacteriana/tratamiento farmacológicoRESUMEN
Group A ß-hemolytic Streptococcus (S. pyogenes), also known as GAS, is a Gram-positive bacterium. It can be easily identified in the microbiology laboratory by its ability to hemolyse blood in culture media. This bacterium is highly virulent due to its production of enzymes and toxins, and its ability to cause immunologically mediated diseases such as rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. GAS is the primary cause of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis, although it is typically a benign and non-invasive disease. However, it also has the potential to cause severe skin and soft tissue infections, necrotising fasciitis, bacteraemia and endocarditis, pneumonia and empyema, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, without any age or predisposition limits. The term invasive GAS disease (iGAS) is used to refer to this group of conditions. In more developed countries, iGAS disease has declined thanks to improved hygiene and the availability of antibiotics. For example, rheumatic fever has practically disappeared in countries such as Spain. However, recent data suggests a potential increase in some iGAS diseases, although the accuracy of this data is not consistent. Because of this, the COVID and Emerging Pathogens Committee of the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) has posed several questions about invasive GAS infection, especially its current situation in Spain. The committee has enlisted the help of several experts in the field to answer these questions. The following lines contain the answers that we have collaboratively produced, aiming to assist not only the members of ICOMEM but also anyone interested in this topic.
RESUMEN
We herein report an autopsy case of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple cerebral infarctions induced by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (STSS) in an 84-year-old male. Pathological examination revealed sepsis with hemophagocytosis in the reticular system and intravascular bacteria in multiple organs, originating from bacterial necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremities. The brain MRI findings showed a DWI-FLAIR mismatch, whereas the pathology was almost normal, thus supporting a hyperacute phase of cerebral infarction. The findings in this case help to elucidate the pathogenesis of STSS and develop appropriate treatment strategies.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To clarify the infection route in maternal death due to invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infection and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on maternal deaths due to GAS-TSS in Japan between January 2010 and March 2024. The final causal diagnosis of maternal death and the infection routes of GAS were analysed using medical records, laboratory data and autopsy findings. RESULTS: Among the 616 maternal deaths during the study period, 48 (8%) involved infectious diseases. The most common infection was invasive GAS (56%, n = 27), 21 (78%) and six cases occurred during the antepartum and puerperium periods, respectively. In the GAS-TSS group, 71% (15/21) infections were originated the upper respiratory tract. However, in the puerperium cases, 67% (4/6) were infected from the genital tract. In addition, no maternal deaths due to GAS-TSS were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Japan from 2020 to 2023. CONCLUSION: Most antepartum GAS infections were from the upper respiratory tract. They may be reduced by preventive measures, including frequent disinfection, wearing masks and isolation from persons at high risk of carrying GAS, such as symptomatic children. On the other hand, GAS-TSS during puerperium infection via the genital tract.
Asunto(s)
Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Choque Séptico , Infecciones Estreptocócicas , Streptococcus pyogenes , Humanos , Femenino , Japón/epidemiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/mortalidad , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Choque Séptico/mortalidad , Choque Séptico/microbiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Embarazo , Streptococcus pyogenes/aislamiento & purificación , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/microbiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/mortalidad , Adulto , Mortalidad Materna , COVID-19/mortalidad , COVID-19/epidemiología , Muerte Materna/estadística & datos numéricos , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/mortalidad , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/microbiología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Individuals who menstruate grapple with diverse challenges in menstrual and reproductive health. This includes financial burdens, societal stigmas, and negative mental and physical health implications. Period poverty, marked by insufficient access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation, remains a prevalent and poorly addressed issue. Alarming statistics highlight the extent of this problem and shed light on the staggering number of individuals lacking access to essential menstrual products. The discourse extends to the safety and accessibility of a diverse array of menstrual products. A comprehensive comparison of the cost of available period products was conducted using data obtained from various retail websites. The often-overlooked potential indirect expenses and profound impacts on quality of life were also discussed. Amidst other public health initiatives, pharmacists have emerged as pivotal advocates and educators. Pharmacists are poised to drive initiatives that increase access to menstrual products through public health education and advocacy. By providing education on different menstrual product options, pharmacists can empower individuals to make informed decisions based on their needs. This perspective illuminates the complex impacts of menstruation on individuals and proposes that pharmacists can play a role in overcoming barriers to access. The proposed strategies, rooted in education, research, and advocacy, pave the way for enhancing access, reducing stigma, and elevating the quality of life for those navigating the intricate complexities of menstruation.
RESUMEN
Objetivo: A síndrome do choque tóxico (SCT) é uma condição multissistêmica grave, causada por Staphylococcus aureus ou Streptococcus pyogenes,e o manejo inicial e contínuo das lesões de pele é essencial para o controle da infecção. Este relato teve o objetivo de descrever os cuidados com a pele nessa síndrome. Relato do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino com abscesso no quadril que evoluiu com febre e hipotensão e consequente transferência para a Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Foi diagnosticado com choque séptico de provável foco no quadril, imediatamente abordado cirurgicamente para tratamento local da infecção. Apresentou insuficiência renal, além de disfunção multissistêmica (hepática e cardíaca), instabilidade hemodinâmnica e lesões disseminadas de pele. Com o isolamento do Staphylococcus aureus, iniciou-se clindamicina e o diagnóstico foi de SCT, uma vez que apresentou lesões epidermolíticas desde o início do quadro. Foram iniciadas medidas de recuperação cutânea com a sulfadiazina de prata e, posteriormente, com hidrofibra com prata com restauração do epitélio em 8 dias. Após 10 dias da pele restaurada, o paciente recebeu alta da UTI para enfermaria com manutenção do tratamento proposto. Conclusão: Neste caso, o uso da hidrofibra obteve uma performancesatisfatória, contudo ainda há necessidade de estudos robustos que comprovem tal eficácia. (AU)
Objective: Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe multisystemic condition caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, and initial management of skin lesions is essential for infection control. This article aimed to describe skin care for TSS. Case report: We report a man with a hip abscess who developed fever and hypotension and was subsequently transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU). He was diagnosed with septic shock, probably of hip origin, and was immediately treated surgically for local infection control. He presented with renal failure besides multiple organ dysfunction (hepatic and cardiac), hemodynamic instability, and disseminated skin lesions. With the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, clindamycin was initiated, and the diagnosis was TSS due to epidermolytic lesions since the onset of the condition. Cutaneous recovery measures were initiated with silver sulfadiazine, followed by silver hydrofiber with skin recovery in 8 days. After 10 days of skin recovery, the patient was discharged from the ICU to the ward with maintenance of the proposed treatment. Conclusion: In this case, the use of hydrofiber showed satisfactory performance; however, robust studies are needed to confirm such efficacy. (AU)
Objetivo: El síndrome de shock tóxico (SST) es una afección multisistémica grave causada por Staphylococcus aureuso Streptococcus pyogenes, y el tratamiento inicial y continuo de las lesiones cutáneas es esencial para controlar la infección. Este informe tuvo como objetivo describir los cuidado de la piel en este síndrome. Reporte del caso:Paciente masculino con absceso en la cadera que desarrolló fiebre e hipotensión y fue tranferido a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Se diagnosticó shock séptico, probablemente focalizado en la cadera, por lo que fue inmediatamente abordado quirúrgicamente para tratamiento local de la infección. Presentó insuficiencia renal además de disfunción multisistémica (hepática y cardiaca), inestabilidad hemodinámica y lesiones cutáneas diseminadas. Con el aislamiento de Staphylococcus aureus, se inició clindamicina y el diagnóstico fue SST, ya que presentaba lesiones epidermolíticas desde el inicio del cuadro. Se iniciaron medidas de recuperación cutánea con sulfadiazina de plata y, posteriormente, se optó por hidrofibra con plata, con restauración del epitelio en 8 días. Después de 10 días de piel restaurada, el paciente fue dado de alta de la UCI a planta con mantenimiento del tratamiento propuesto. Conclusión: Alcen este caso, el uso de hidrofibra obtuvo un desempeño satisfactorio, sin embargo, aún se necesitan estudios robustos para probar tal eficacia. (AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Choque Séptico , Estomaterapia , Staphylococcus aureus , QuemadurasRESUMEN
Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections can potentially progress into streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) with multiorgan failure. Even with a benign presentation, GAS can rapidly lead to fatal necrotizing infections. While myositis and cutaneous infections are the typical initial presentation of STSS, genitourinary infections are a less common source. This report presents a case of a previously healthy woman with the chief complaint of ankle pain who subsequently developed streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and multiorgan failure from a Group A streptococcus infection of the genitourinary tract. She was treated with antibiotics and medical management for her septic shock and required prone ventilation for her acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) but eventually recovered without surgery. This case highlights the importance of recognizing unusual presentations of Group A Strep infections, which have the potential to lead to rapid deterioration in patients. Also described are antibiotic and ventilator strategies that can be used to treat these severe systemic infections.
RESUMEN
The emergence of invasive infections attributed to group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, has resurged since the 1980s. The recent surge in reports of toxic shock syndrome due to GAS in Japan in 2024, while sensationalized in the media, does not represent a novel infectious disease per se, as its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are already well-established. However, due to signs of increasing incidence since 2011, further research is needed. Health authorities in neighboring countries like The Republic of Korea should not only issue travel advisories but also establish meticulous surveillance systems and initiate epidemiological studies on the genotypic variations of this disease while awaiting various epidemiological research findings from Japan.
Asunto(s)
Choque Séptico , Infecciones Estreptocócicas , Streptococcus pyogenes , Humanos , Choque Séptico/microbiología , Streptococcus pyogenes/aislamiento & purificación , Streptococcus pyogenes/genética , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/diagnóstico , República de Corea , Japón , Superantígenos/genética , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Enterotoxinas/genéticaRESUMEN
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressing bacterial infection that affects the deep fascia and subcutaneous tissues, often resulting in tissue necrosis and systemic toxicity. This case involves a male in his late forties who initially sought emergency care for a minor rash on his right lower extremity and symptoms of a viral illness. Despite an initial diagnosis of hematoma, his symptoms rapidly escalated within 24 hours, prompting his return to the emergency room. During this subsequent visit, signs of septic shock emerged, accompanied by a worsening rash and blister formation. Admitted to the intensive care unit, our patient received urgent treatment, including broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical debridement based on the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score for assessing necrotizing fasciitis severity. Further debridement and a fasciotomy were performed, leading to improved clinical conditions, stabilized vitals, and normalized laboratory results. This case underscores the critical importance of early clinical suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and a collaborative, team-based approach in successfully managing necrotizing fasciitis.
RESUMEN
Infectious causes of fever and rash pose a diagnostic challenge for the emergency provider. It is often difficult to discern rashes associated with rapidly progressive and life-threatening infections from benign exanthems, which comprise the majority of rashes seen in the emergency department. Physicians must also consider serious noninfectious causes of fever and rash. A correct diagnosis depends on an exhaustive history and head-to-toe skin examination as most emergent causes of fever and rash remain clinical diagnoses. A provisional diagnosis and immediate treatment with antimicrobials and supportive care are usually required prior to the return of confirmatory laboratory testing.
Asunto(s)
Exantema , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas , Humanos , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas/diagnóstico , Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas/tratamiento farmacológico , Exantema/etiología , Exantema/complicaciones , Fiebre/diagnóstico , Fiebre/etiologíaRESUMEN
A 41-year-old woman with a history of asthma presented to the emergency department with complaints of progressive malaise, dyspnea, vomiting, and diarrhea for a week. Upon presentation, the patient was hemodynamically unstable and exhibited severe respiratory distress. A chest computed tomography revealed consolidation of the left upper lobe with confluence in the left perihilar region and a left pleural effusion. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for further management of respiratory failure, and a chest tube was placed on the left side. Despite the absence of bacteremia, the diagnosis of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome was confirmed through a pleural fluid culture positive for Streptococcus pyogenes and evidence of multiorgan failure. Her treatment included vasopressors, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and intravenous immunoglobulin. For renal failure, the patient required continuous renal replacement therapy. Despite all these interventions, the patient continued to decline, and left-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was pursued with subsequent improvement of her condition. The incidence of invasive Group A streptococcal disease is significant, with notable mortality and morbidity among affected patients. The rapid deterioration is thought to be secondary to the highly virulent nature of the pathogen and the production of superantigens. The rapid institution of adequate antibiotic coverage with beta-lactams and clindamycin has been shown to decrease the mortality rate. Intravenous immunoglobulin has also been included with a promising positive effect.