Getting under the Skin: The Immunopathogenesis of Streptococcus pyogenes Deep Tissue Infections

Abstract

Streptococcus pyogenes can cause a variety of diseases in immunocompetent individuals, from pharyngotonsillitis to life-threatening invasive diseases, such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, and rapidly progressing deep-tissue infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis is often seen in combination with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, which further increases morbidity and mortality. We review here the hostpathogen interactions in the tissue milieu and discuss the use of intravenous immunoglobulin as potential adjunctive therapy in these life-threatening infections.