Specific infection diagnosis

Question 1

Staphylococcal toxic shock criteria

Answer 1

• Fever > /= 39.9°C
• Rash – diffuse macular erythroderma
• Desquamation – 10 to 14 days after onset of illness, especially palms and soles
• Hypotension – systolic BP

Question 2

Streptococcal toxic shock criteria

Answer 2

• Isolation of beta-haemolytic group A Streptococcus from:
  1. normally sterile site – blood, CSF, peritoneal fluid, tissue biopsy
  2. non-sterile site – throat, vagina, sputum