The Role of Streptococcal and Staphylococcal Exotoxins and Proteases in Human Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are critical clinical conditions characterized by extensive necrosis of any layer of the soft tissue and systemic toxicity. Group A streptococci (GAS) and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> are two major pathogens associated with monomicrobial NSTIs....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Patience Shumba, Srikanth Mairpady Shambat, Nikolai Siemens
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-06-01
Series:Toxins
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/11/6/332
Description
Summary:Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are critical clinical conditions characterized by extensive necrosis of any layer of the soft tissue and systemic toxicity. Group A streptococci (GAS) and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> are two major pathogens associated with monomicrobial NSTIs. In the tissue environment, both Gram-positive bacteria secrete a variety of molecules, including pore-forming exotoxins, superantigens, and proteases with cytolytic and immunomodulatory functions. The present review summarizes the current knowledge about streptococcal and staphylococcal toxins in NSTIs with a special focus on their contribution to disease progression, tissue pathology, and immune evasion strategies.
ISSN:2072-6651