Recognition and management of Staphylococcus aureustoxin-mediated disease

The ubiquitous human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is capable of producing a formidable range of extracellular toxins that can have significant deleterious effects on the host. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) results from infection or colonization with a strain of S. aureus that produces staphylococcal enterotoxin(s). The key features of TSS are widespread erythroderma occurring in association with profound hypotension and multiple organ dysfunction. As morbidity and mortality from TSS are appreciable, early recognition of TSS combined with intensive supportive management is critical. Staphylococcal foodborne disease (SFD) is caused by contamination of food during preparation or serving by preformed S. aureus enterotoxin( s). Symptom-onset is abrupt and the disease may be severe enough to warrant hospitalization, but it is usually self-limiting and does not require specific antistaphylococcal therapy. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) results from colonization or infection with a strain of S. aureus that produces epidermolytic toxin(s). SSSS ranges in severity from trivial focal skin blistering to extensive, life-threatening exfoliation. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of TSS, SFD and SSSS.