NOVEL THERAPIES IN STREPTOCOCCAL TOXIC-SHOCK-SYNDROME - ATTENUATION OF VIRULENCE FACTOR EXPRESSION AND MODULATION OF THE HOST RESPONSE

The systemic manifestations of severe invasive group A streptococcal i nfections, such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, are mediated by an overwhelming inflammatory response induced by streptococcal supera ntigens and other virulence factors. The high mortality rates associat ed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome demonstrate a need for bett er therapy in these diseases. Novel strategies to attenuate or prevent streptococcal toxic shock syndrome at different stages of illness hav e been proposed. The most promising therapies include agents that by v arious mechanisms attenuate the inflammatory response or the action of streptococcal toxins/superantigens, or both. (C) 1998 Lippincott-Rave n Publishers.