Bacterial laryngotracheitis associated with toxic shock syndrome in an adult

Nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) in adults has been associated with various staphylococcal respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and postinfluenza respiratory tract infections. In children, nonmenstrual TSS has also been described as a complication of bacterial tracheitis. We describe the case of a 40-year-old woman who presented with laryngotracheitis as well as clinical and laboratory evidence of TSS. Culture of her sputum samples yielded pure growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which was shown to produce TSS toxin 1 (TSST-1). The patient responded promptly to therapy with iv clindamycin. We discuss the association of TSS with staphylococcal laryngotracheitis and the role of clindamycin in the treatment of TSS. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of TSS complicating laryngotracheitis in adults.