Superantigens of Streptococci Cause Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)

Be aware of a flesh-eating bacterium waiting on poor-quality of food stuff

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) was first identified in 1978 as a Staphylococcus aureus infection in children, followed by a tampon-related outbreak in 1980, which was further termed as streptococcal TSS (STSS). Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a serious sickness caused by specific Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria strains, often known as flesh-eating bacteria. This illness is caused by superantigens, which are powerful poisons that can elicit a massive immune response. TSS has a mortality rate of 30%-70%. The case of STSS is found to be 0.8 to 3.4 per 100,000 in the United States. Streptococci can contaminate dairy, meat, vegetables, and other foods, putting customers’ health at risk. Testing for streptococci in food and agricultural products is critical for maintaining safety and preventing diseases.

Why is STSS one of the threatening flesh-eating bacteria?

Flesh-eating bacteria, also known as necrotizing fasciitis, is a serious illness that causes fast destruction of skin, fat, and muscle tissues. Group A Streptococcus is the most common cause, however Vibrio vulnificus and Clostridium are other possible culprits. The infection usually enters through a breach in the skin and spreads swiftly due to bacterial toxins and enzymes that degrade tissues. Symptoms include intense pain, redness, swelling, and fever, which frequently escalate to shock and organ failure. Immediate medical intervention is required, including antibiotics, surgical debridement of infected tissue, and, in some cases, elimination, to prevent the spread and save the patient’s life.

Symptoms of STSS

STSS can develop quickly and includes the sudden development of a high fever, low blood pressure (hypotension), and a red rash like a sunburn, particularly on the palms and soles. Confused or disoriented, severe pain, particularly in an extremity or at the site of an infection nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. STSS can cause muscle aches and, in extreme cases, multi-organ failure, affecting the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Even when healthy people become infected and there is a substantial fatality rate.

Causes of STSS

STSS is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacterium, specifically those that produce superantigens. These superantigens overstimulate the immune system, resulting in a large release of cytokines that can give command to severe inflammation, tissue damage, and shock. Bacteria can enter the body through a variety of routes, including skin cuts or abrasions, surgical wounds, viral illnesses such as influenza or chickenpox, which impair the immune system, and delivery or gynaecological treatments.

Mechanism of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)

The exact cause of this condition is still under progress of research; however, it is thought that a combination of the host’s reaction to streptococcal infection and enterotoxins with superantigen activity may play an important role. Superantigens are widely recognised for connecting antigen grooves outside of Major histocompatibility class II (MHC-II) molecules and the Vß region of the T cell receptor cascade to activating both the antigen-presenting cell (APC) and the T lymphocyte (T-Cell). Thus, superantigens hijack normal immune processing to triggers bypass system to promote massive activation of immunoglobulin, which is make cloud burst of cytokines, overwhelmingly releasing inflammatory moderators like TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. The resulting inflammation leads to endothelial damage, capillary leakage, and hypotension. This cascade causes multi-organ failure, presenting with symptoms such as high fever, low blood pressure, rash, and severe pain, requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.

To prevent STSS, consider the following precautions:

• Wound Care: Clean and cover cuts, scrapes, and surgical wounds until they recover.
• Hygiene: Maintain proper hygiene, including regular hand washing.
• Food contamination: Avoid consumption of contaminated foods.
• Seek quick medical attention. If you develop symptoms of a streptococcal infection, such as a sore throat or a skin infection, seek medical attention right once.
• Avoid sharing personal goods. Do not exchange towels, razors, or clothing that may have come into touch with diseased skin.
• Monitor your health after childbirth or surgery. Look for signs of infection following surgery or childbirth.

What we can help you for your wellness

Cultivator Phyto Lab Pvt. Ltd. is a leading provider of sanitary and environmental monitoring, including specialist investigation of foodborne disease bacteria and other pathogenic bacteria in various matrix. Our professional staff who have qualified FSSAI food analyst, focuses on microbiological examination of food, agriculture, drinks, and AYUSH products. We maintain the highest levels of safety and quality, protecting public health with precise and dependable testing. Cultivator Phyto Lab Pvt. Ltd. provides comprehensive and precise microbiological services to ensure the safety and integrity of your products