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PubMed2006

Children hospitalized with skin and soft tissue infections: a guide to antibacterial selection and treatment.

Skin and soft tissue infections in children are an important cause for hospitalization. A thorough history and physical examination can provide clues to the pathogens involved. Collection of purulent discharge from lesions should be completed prior to initiating antimicrobial therapy, and results of bacteriologic studies (Gram stain and culture) should guide therapeutic decisions. The main pathogens involved in these infections are Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, but enteric organisms also play a role especially in nosocomial infections. Increasing antibacterial resistance is becoming a major problem in the treatment of these infections worldwide. Specifically, the rise of methicillin-resistant S. aureus and glycopeptide-resistant S. aureus pose challenges for the future. Infections of the skin and soft tissues can be broadly classified based on the extent of tissue involvement. Superficial infections such as erysipelas, cellulitis, bullous impetigo, bite infections, and periorbital cellulitis may require hospitalization and parenteral antibacterials. Deeper infections such as orbital cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and pyomyositis require surgical intervention as well as parenteral antibacterial therapy. Surgery plays a key role in the treatment of abscesses and for the debridement of necrotic tissue in deep infections. Intravenous immunoglobulin, as an adjunctive therapy, can be helpful in treating necrotizing fasciitis. For most infections an antistaphylococcal beta-lactam antibacterial is first-line therapy. Third-generation cephalosporins and beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor antibacterials as well as clindamycin or metronidazole are often required to provide broad-spectrum coverage for polymicrobial infections.Special populations, such as immunocompromised children, those with an allergy to penicillins, and those that acquire infections in hospitals, require specific antibacterial strategies. These usually involve broader antimicrobial coverage with increased Gram-negative (including antipseudomonal) and anerobic coverage. In patients with a true allergy to penicillins, clindamycin and vancomycin play an important role in treating Gram-positive infections. Newer antibacterial agents, such as linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin, are increasingly being studied in children for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. These agents hold promise for the future especially in the treatment of highly resistant, Gram-positive organisms such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus, vancomycin-resistant S. aureus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

[Desmoglein, the target molecule in autoimmunity and infection].

To form the human body and maintain the integrity of its complex tissues, individual cells need to hold tightly to each other. The desmosome is the major type of intercellular adhesive junction, and has desmoglein (Dsg), a cadherin type cell-cell adhesion molecule, as a transmembrane component. Dsg is now known to be targeted in autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, as well as inherited diseases. Patients with pemphigus, an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membrane, have IgG autoantibodies directed against Dsg1 and Dsg3. A subset of patients with pemphigus have Dsg1/Dsg4 crossreacting IgG autoantibodies. Exfoliative toxins produced by Staphylococcal aureus, which causes Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) and bullous impetigo, specifically digest Dsg1. A subset of patients with SSSS develop a low titer of anti-Dsg1 IgG autoantibodies. A mutation in DSG1 gene causes striate palmoplantar keratoderma and a mutation in DSG4 gene causes inherited hypotrichosis. It is not clear why so many diseases are clustered in desmogleins, but there must be a reason for this. Studies on desmogleins will provide an important framework to understand the mysteries between autoimmunity and infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Pemphigus as a paradigm of autoimmunity and cell adhesion.

Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune blistering diseases of the skin and mucous membranes that are characterized histologically by intraepidermal blisters due to the loss of cell-cell adhesion of keratinocytes and immunopathologically by the finding of pathogenic IgG autoantibodies directed against the cell surface of keratinocytes. Identification of the target antigens has redefined pemphigus as an autoimmune disease against desmosomal cadherin or desmoglein. The IgG autoantibody-mediated functional inhibition of desmoglein which plays an important role in the cell-cell adhesion of keratinocytes results in blister formation. Patients with pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus have IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein3 and desmoglein1, respectively. Even complex clinical variations of pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus are now logically explained by the desmoglein compensation theory. As an extension of this theory, the exfoliative toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and bullous impetigo, was found to specifically cleave desmoglein1 and induce the identical histology to pemphigus foliaceus. Another recent innovation has been the development of an active disease mouse-model for pemphigus using autoantigen knockout mice, in which self-tolerance of the defective gene product is not acquired. When splenocytes from desmoglein3 knockout mice are adoptively transferred into mice expressing desmoglein3, anti-desmoglein3 IgG is stably produced in the recipient mice that develop the phenotype of pemphigus vulgaris. This model will be valuable not only for dissecting the cellular and molecular mechanisms in pathogenic antibody production but also for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Frequency and activity of IgE-secreting peripheral blood B-cells in atopic eczema.

Increased immunoglobulin (Ig) E-levels are frequently found in the sera of patients with atopic eczema. To further understand the mechanisms underlying this increase of IgE, like enlarged number of IgE-producing cells, enhanced activity of IgE-producing cells or altered IgE metabolism, we analyzed the frequency and activity of IgE-producing B-lymphocytes within peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with atopic eczema. By use of a sensitive solid phase enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT), IgE-secreting cells could be visualized within peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 14 individuals (12 patients with atopic eczema, one patient with impetigo contagiosa, one patient with allergic contact dermatitis) at a frequency of 10-1,120 IgE-secreting cells/10(5) B-lymphocytes. The number of IgE-secreting cells was markedly correlated with the corresponding serum IgE-level (r = 0.97). Secretory activity was also reflected by in vitro IgE production, which was assessed in parallel 7-day cultures and found to be related with actual serum IgE-levels. The enhanced serum IgE-levels in patients with atopic eczema seem to result primarily from an increased number of circulating IgE-secreting B-cells, which may also be found, however, in patients with elevated serum IgE-levels, showing different skin diseases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Changing morbidity patterns in children in Dutch general practice: 1987-2001.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the presentation and pattern of childhood morbidity in general practice compared with 14 years ago. METHODS: We used data of all children aged 0-17 years from two cross-sectional surveys performed in 1987 and 2001 in general practice in the Netherlands. The total number of children in the practices participating in these surveys were 86,577 children in 1987 and 82,053 children in 2001. First of all, we compared consultation rates of children in general practice. Secondly, childhood morbidity was assessed by episodes of disease, coded according to the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC). We compared childhood morbidity in 1987 and 2001 by assessing the distribution of episodes among ICPC chapters stratified by ethnicity, and by comparing incidence rates of most frequently presented diseases. RESULTS: Childhood consultation rates have decreased from 2.7 visits a year per child in 1987 to 2.1 in 2001. The distribution of episodes among ICPC chapters had also changed. Respiratory problems are still the most frequently presented health problem in children but the proportion has decreased from 25.5% in 1987 to 23.3% in 2001. Skin problems were presented more often (23.0% in 2001 versus 17.8 in 1987), and Western children more often presented with skin problems than with respiratory problems in 2001. Incidence rates of most respiratory diseases have decreased and specific skin diseases (dermatomycosis, impetigo and eczema) were diagnosed more often. CONCLUSION: In the Netherlands, childhood morbidity has changed. Skin diseases have become more important in general practice and respiratory problems are declining.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Children of imprisoned mothers.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the problems faced by children during separation from their imprisoned mothers, and evaluate the health of children who accompanied their mothers into prison. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: Welikada Prison, Colombo, Sri Lanka. METHODS: 200 randomly selected mothers who had left their children at home were interviewed using a questionnaire. During a period of 8 months 30 children living with their mothers in prison underwent physical and developmental examination and tuberculin testing. The living conditions within the prison were evaluated. RESULTS: During 18 months from January 1999, 4089 women were imprisoned. 88% were remanded, 20% awaited trial for more than one year in prison. 2416 were mothers. 1411 had at least one child under 12 years of age. The 200 mothers interviewed had 262 children under 12 years at home. Their care arrangements were: a relative (69%), father (16%), older sibling (4%), religious organisation (2.7%), neighbour (1.3%). None had received social services support. 70 children accompanied mothers into prison. In the 30 children followed up regularly 23% had scabies, 10% pediculosis, and 7% impetigo. No severe malnutrition was found and screening for tuberculosis was negative. 70% were breastfed. The child-friendly dormitory was inadequate to accommodate all children. CONCLUSION: Care arrangements and schooling were affected and no counselling services were provided during the imprisoned mothers' absence. The children within the prison enjoyed close bonds with the mothers and their physical needs were met. The child's best interest had not always been considered by court when deciding on custody during the mothers' imprisonment.

Child Care↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and often fatal soft-tissue infection involving the superficial fascial layers of the extremities, abdomen, or perineum. Necrotizing fasciitis typically begins with trauma; however, the inciting event may be as seemingly innocuous as a simple contusion, minor burn, or insect bite. Differentiating necrotizing infections from common soft-tissue infections, such as cellulitis and impetigo, is both challenging and critically important. A high degree of suspicion may be the most important aid in early diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis is imperative because necrotizing infections typically spread rapidly and can result in multiple-organ failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and death. Although group A Streptococcus is the most common bacterial isolate, a polymicrobial infection with a variety of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria is more common. Orthopaedic surgeons are often the first physicians to evaluate patients with such infections and therefore need to be familiar with this potentially devastating disease and its management. Prompt diagnosis, immediate administration of broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage, and emergent aggressive surgical debridement of all compromised tissues are critical to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these rapidly progressing infections.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Hypocalcemia-induced pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch. New experience with an old syndrome.

Hypocalcemia occurs in patients with psoriasis vulgaris, pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch, and impetigo herpetiformis. In most cases hypocalcemia is caused by accompanying hypoalbuminemia, yet reductions in ionized serum calcium concentrations due to hypoparathyroidism or malabsorption have been reported. We report the case of a patient with surgical hypoparathyroidism in whom hypocalcemia precipitated typical pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch. The psoriasis rapidly cleared on two occasions when the patient's serum calcium was corrected by therapy with oral calcium and vitamin D or its analogues, and reappeared when treatment was discontinued. The patient's psoriasis cleared on a third occasion when her serum calcium level returned to normal with a calcium infusion. Hypocalcemia can precipitate pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch in susceptible persons. These psoriatic flares are due not to abnormal circulating levels of parathyroid hormone or vitamin D metabolites but to hypocalcemia.

Calcitriol↗
PubMed1976

[Clinical investigation of amoxicillin (clamoxyl 'Beecham') granules in pediatrics (author's transl)].

Amoxicillin granule (100 mg AMPC potency per 1.0 g granule) was administered to pediatric patients with the following results. 1) AAMPC serum concentration and the urinary recovery of two preparations (Clamoxyl 'Beecham' and Sawacillin 'Fujisawa') granule were compared in a cross over trial in 5 healthy adult volunteers. No significant difference in the results was observed between the two granules. 2) The peak serum concentration after oral administration of 10 mg/kg AMPC to 5 children gave an average of 5.06 mug/ml 1 hour after administration. The 6-hour urinary excretion was distributed 51.4 approximatley 78.9%. 3) AMPC was administered at a dose of about 20 mg/kg/day to 35 children with acute pediatric infections that is scarlet fever, acute tonsillitis, tonsillitis lacunalis, acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma +bronchitis and infectious impetigo. An effective therapeutic result was obtained in all cases. 4) The granule was well accepted by young children, and at a dose level of about 20 mg/kg/day for a week no disorder on hepatorenal function was observed in any og the patients.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Reactivation of herpes zoster infection by varicella-zoster virus].

HISTORY: There has been considerable interest in varicella-zoster virus in the middle of the twentieth century. Virus isolation in 1958 had made it possible to find out the complete DNA sequence of the varicella-zoster virus. Molecular identify of the causative agents of varicella and shingles had been proved. ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND HISTOPATHOLOGY: Varicella-zoster virus is a member of the Herpesviridae family. After primary infection which results in varicella, the virus becomes latent in the cerebral or posterior root ganglia. Some of these individuals develop shingles after several decades because of virus reactivation. It is caused by decline of cellular immune response. Circumstances such as old age, hard work, using of steroids or malignancies contribute to the appearance of shingles. Histopathological findings include degenerative changes of epithelial cells such as ballooning, multinucleated giant cells and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions. EPIDEMIOLOGY: Shingles occur sporadically, mainly among the elderly who have had varicella. There is no seasonal appearance of shingles. Individuals suffering from shingles may be sometimes contagious for susceptible children because of enormous amount of virus particles in vesicle fluid. CLINICAL FEATURES: Clinically, shingles is characterized at first by pain or discomfort in involved dermatome, usually without constitutional symptoms. Local edema and erythema appear before developing of rash. Maculopapular and vesicular rash evolves into crusts. The most commonly involved ganglia are: lumbar, thoracic, sacral posterior root ganglia, then geniculate ganglion of the VIIth cranial nerve and the trigeminal ganglion. The most common complication, postherpetic neuralgia, may last for as long as two or three weeks, sometimes even one year or more. Other complications that may be seen in shingles, but more rarely, are ocular (keratitis, iridocyclitis, secondary glaucoma, loss of sight), neurological (various motor neuropathies, encephalitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome), secondary bacterial infection of vesicles. Immunocompromised patients often develop more severe disease lasting up to two weeks, skin lesions are more numerous and often with hemorrhagic base and there is a high possibility for cutaneous dissemination and visceral involvement including viral pneumonia, encephalitis and hepatitis. Chronic shingles may also be found in immunocompromised hosts, particularly in those with a diagnosis of HIV infection. In patients with HIV infection, shingles is often characterised by radicular pain and itching several days before appearance of skin lesions. Those patients may have two or more dermatomes involved and recurrences of shingles cannot be quite infrequent in those patients. But visceral involvement is rarer than in other immunocompromised patients. Shingles may occur in the second half of pregnancy and usually have a mild course. However, congenital abnormalities has been described in few cases. DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis of shingles is usually made by history and physical examination. Exceptionally, for example in zoster sine herpete and atypical forms of shingles, virus isolation and serological tests must be used. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Some other diseases may cause similar skin lesions and rash (varicella, erysipelas, impetigo, enteroviral infections, herpes simplex infections). These diseases are excluded by using detailed history taking and physical examination, laboratory findings, virus isolation and commercially available serological tests. THERAPY: The vast majority of immunocompetent persons with shingles should be treated only by symptomatic therapy. Predominantly it is directed toward reduction of fever and avoiding secondary bacterial skin infection in immunocompetent hosts. Acute neuritis and post-herpetic neuralgia require administration of various analgesics, even like amitriptyline hydrochloride and fluphenazine hydrochloride. Acyclovir therapy is limited to ophthal

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2000

Severe invasive group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection complicating pharyngitis: a case report and discussion.

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) has long been recognized as a deadly pathogen with manifestations ranging from impetigo to necrotizing fasciitis. Bacteremia from streptococcal pharyngitis is a rare complication. We report a patient presenting with septic shock and diabetic ketoacidosis from streptococcal pharyngitis. The pathophysiology, classification, and treatment of invasive group A streptococcal infection is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Analysis of skin diseases in a referral pediatric dermatology clinic in Thailand.

The retrospective study of skin diseases in children less than 13 years old was performed at the referral Pediatric Dermatology Clinic, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. It included 4,265 visits made by 2,361 patients. The prevalence and demographic data of all diagnoses were analysed. In children, eczematous dermatitis was the most common (41.2%), followed by skin infections (21.9%), pigmentary disorder (7.0%), hypersensitivity skin diseases (4.1%), and others. Atopic dermatitis was the most common type of eczema in children (6.0%). The entity of contact dermatitis, scabies, vitiligo, tinea capitis, alopecia areata, papular urticaria, impetigo and urticaria represented 4.9, 4.1, 4.1, 3.3, 2.4, 2.3, 2.3 and 2.2 per cent, respectively. These data may be useful in planning the dermatologic education and health care program for Thai children in the future.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Diseases among refugee and immigrant children].

Foreign adopted children and children of asylum applicants and refugees, newly arrived in Denmark, often have lived under conditions that make the following diagnostic considerations relevant: scabies, lice, impetigo and fungal skin infections, nutritional iron deficiency or bleeding, anaemia caused by hook worms in the gastrointestinal tract, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, HIV infection and various intestinal parasites. Haemoglobinopathies including sickle cell anaemia and talassaemia should also be kept in mind in anaemia. Immigrant children are admitted to hospital approximately twice as frequently as Danish children but with the same diagnoses apart from some increased frequency of psychological and behavioural disturbances and talassaemia.

Adoption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Prevalence of cutaneous lesions in Freixo de Espada à Cinta].

Incidence or prevalence studies on cutaneous lesions in general populations are not available. The community observed by the authors (Freixo de Espada à Cinta, North-Eastern Portugal) is relatively closed. A pre-tested questionnaire for socio-demographic and clinical information was used and a physical observation was conducted in January and February 1994 by the Dermatology Team of Santo António General Hospital, Oporto. The analysis was supported by independent tests (Pearson and Fisher chi 2, Student-t, Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis). The Spearman correlation coefficient was also used. The results indicated that 51.9% of 1000 subjects analysed were in phototype III. Concerning specific pathologies, the following percentages were observed: melanocytic nevi 81.2; hemangiomas 26.5; androgenetic alopecia 20.5; deshydrotic eczema 12.7; seborrheic keratosis 11; solar keratosis 9.6; acne vulgaris 9.5; seborrheic dermatitis 6.9; superficial mycosis 6.4; other dermatitis 5.5; vascular spiders 4.4; vulgar psoriasis 1.9; vulgar warts 1.5; pediculosis and scabiosis 1.2.; herpes simplex 0.9; impetigo 0.7; tumours (neoplasias) 0.7; dysplastic nevi 0.6; urticaria 0.3. More than nine nevi were counted in 50% of the subjects observed. A difference was observed (p < 0.05) concerning the presence of nevi, mycosis, hemangiomas, non-specific dermatitis, vascular spider and solar keratosis according to sex. The females had more nevi in number than males (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.03). According to age there was a difference concerning the presence of nevi, superficial mycosis, deshydrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, tumours, hemangiomas, non-specific dermatitis, vascular spider, solar keratosis (with linear augmentation by age) and seborrheic keratosis. Nevi increased with ageing (Rs = 0.10 p < 0.001) and a greater number were observed in age groups 0-9 and 60 or more years. Acne was observed in 9.4% of the females and 9.7% of the males, 46.2% in the 15-29 year-old age group. This study indicated that the population had a mean of nine nevi. Psoriasis was similar to that mentioned in other studies: about 1% in the United States of America. Atopic dermatitis (5.5%) is below the values for the northern population (> = 15%), but above that indicated for the English and American population. Nevertheless, the values of the present study were higher than those in the latter populations, when children until seven years old were considered. The Freixo de Espada à Cinta population above 60 years had solar keratosis in 30.6%, a value three times higher than the previous decade (10.9%); reference values were not found. Contrary to the literature, an association was not established between phototype and solar keratosis. Cutaneous tumours were observed in 0.7% of the cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Tinea faciei in a newborn].

Dermatophytosis in newborns and infants has been regarded as very unusual; a case recently observed of a 2-month-old child affected by tinea faciei is described. Twenty days before, localized erythematous infiltrated patches at the upper left eyelid and eyebrows with papules and pustules, were observed. Rarefaction of the eyebrows and partially loss of the eyelashes associated with scattered areas of erythematopapulous lesions on the face, were seen. Mycological examination was positive and trichophyton rubrum colonies grew. Tinea capitis is more common than tinea faciei in newborn and infants. Differential diagnosis includes: seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis with associated impetigo, candidiasis, bacterial folliculitis. The interhuman transmission by relatives is the most probable modality of trans-mission, as previously reported in the literature. A widespread of the dermatoses was due to previous application of topical corticosteroids. The lesions resolved completely after treatment with miconazole cream, applied twice daily for three weeks.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2001

A rare case of primary group A streptococcal peritonitis.

Primary Group A streptococcal peritonitis is a rare clinical entity that is almost always associated with underlying disease. Group A streptococcus commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections and cutaneous infections such as impetigo and erysipelas. However, Group A streptococcus has rarely been associated with gastrointestinal infections. This is a case report describing a previously healthy adult male who developed primary Group A streptococcal peritonitis. Diagnostic laparoscopy resulted in identification of peritonitis without an identifiable intra-abdominal source. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was instituted. Culture of blood, sputum, urine, and urethra were all pathogen free. The patient made a complete recovery and was dismissed from the hospital on oral clindamycin and cephalexin. To the best of our knowledge this report represents the only documented case of primary Group A streptococcal peritonitis in a male patient without any significant past medical history.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Primary peritonitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes].

Most infections causing by Streptococcus pyogenes are known to be putrid both in adults and children, for example laryngitis, impetigo, cellulitis, scarlet fever, septic shock, toxic shock syndrome etc. Their clinical importance relates to a number of causes: 1) about 20% of the population are S. pyogenes carriers; 2) the clinical course of infections is often severe or even fatal; 3) there is real danger of nosocomial outbursts; 4) a world-wide increase in both the rate and invasiveness of the microbe. Acute primary peritonitis due to S. pyogenes seems to be a rare clinical event. In order to stimulate physicians' attention to the issue, we decided to describe the case of a child with the primary peritonitis due to S. pyogenes. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention combined with the proper antibiotic treatment appeared to be life-saving.

Cefuroxime↗
PubMed2001

[Current problems posed by staphylococcal infections in pediatric patients].

A PEDIATRIC PATHOGEN: Staphylococci remain one of the most important pathogenic agents leading to community-acquired infection in children. Over the last decades, there has been an evolution in the localizations of these infections: dramatic pleuropulmonary staphylococcal infection in newborns has almost entirely disappeared in developed countries. Conversely, skin infections and soft tissue infections as well as bone and joint localizations are frequent. The severity of these bone and joint infections has however declined allowing less aggressive therapeutic regimens. One of the current problems is the risk of emergence of meticillin-resistant strains causing community-acquired infections. Such infections have been very rare in France but careful monitoring is nevertheless necessary. NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION: Staphylococci are however the leading cause of nosocomial infections in children, particularly in intensive care units. All localizations are concerned, especially catheter-related septicemia and pneumonia. There has been an increasing trend for Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci infections. Most of the strains isolated are meticillin-resistant. TOXINS: Staphylococcus aureus secretes toxins leading to specific diseases: enterotoxins cause food-poisoning and exofoliatines cause generalized exfoliation and bullous impetigo. Staphylococcal scarlatina is related to the shock provoked by staphylococcal toxins: TSST-1 and entrotoxins. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome is a relatively new entity more frequently observed in adults but which was initially described in children. The disease may develop during any staphylococcal infection, particularly after superinfection of a skin burn or varicella. MECHANISM OF ACTION OF TOXINS: Staphylococcal toxins act like superantigens, capable of provoking polyclonal activation of a large number of T cells. This leads to the release of an important quantity of cytokines that intervene in the pathogenesis of toxic diseases. This polyclonal activation has been observed in other pediatric diseases of unknown origin but in which the involvement of staphylococcal toxins can be suspected. There is solid evidence in favor of staphylococcal toxins in Kawasaki syndrome. Likewise, these toxins could be implicated in sudden death syndrome in infants and in acute exacerbations of atopic exzema.

Bacterial Toxins↗