Toxic shock-like syndrome caused by non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci.

Two patients with rapidly developing shock, multisystem organ failure, and destructive soft-tissue infection caused by groups G and C streptococci are described. Both patients died rapidly despite aggressive treatment. The clinical characteristics cannot be distinguished from those of toxic shock-like syndrome, but Streptococcus pyogenes was not recovered. These strains did not produce any previously identified type of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. These findings suggest that toxic shock-like syndrome can be caused not only by group A but also groups G and C streptococci. The causative strains of toxic shock-like syndrome may have something in common with unknown virulent factors for this syndrome.