KAWASAKI-DISEASE - UPDATE ON DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND A STILL CONTROVERSIAL ETIOLOGY

Diagnosis of Kawasaki syndrome still relies solely on clinical criteri a because the etiology is unknown. However, the function and structure of different bacterial superantigens as potential Pathogens are discu ssed. In this regard, the recent determination of the crystal structur e of the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 superantigen complexed with majo r histocompatibility complex class II suggests potential implications for the controversial findings concerning a role of those superantigen s in Kawasaki disease. Although a specific therapy is not available, c oronary complications can be significantly reduced with the help of in travenous immunoglobulin therapy combined with oral aspirin.