STAPHYLOCOCCAL SCALDED SKIN SYNDROME IN AN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED ADULT

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, a generalized exfoliative dermat itis complicating infections by exfoliative toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus, is rarely observed in adults. In contrast to m ortality in infants, mortality in adults is usually high. A case of ge neralized staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an immunocompromised woman is reported, Culture of skin biopsy and pleural fluid yielded i dentical strains of Staphylococcus aureus belonging to phage group II. Exfoliative toxins A and B were detected in both isolates. As far as can be determined, this is the first reported case of generalized stap hylococcal scalded skin syndrome in an adult with detection of exfolia tive toxins A and B in which the patient was treated successfully.