Scarlet Fever
Basics
Description
- Scarlet fever or “scarlatina” is a manifestation of infection with Streptococcus pyogenes (group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus) that is characterized by an erythematous “sandpaper” rash. It results from infection with a strain of S. pyogenes that elaborates streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE).
- Typical presentation is in the setting of streptococcal pharyngitis but may occur with group A streptococcal skin or wound infections.
- Disease is linked to SPE A, B, C, and F. SPE A is associated with more virulent disease.
- A similar syndrome may also be seen in infection with certain enterotoxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus, known as staphylococcal scarlet fever.
Epidemiology
Incidence
- Disease is most common between ages 3 and 15 years.
- Peak incidence is during the early school years.
- There is little seasonal variation with slightly increased prevalence in winter and spring.
- Recent studies have documented increasing incidence in certain parts of the world (e.g., United Kingdom, China, South Korea).
- Incubation period is 2 to 5 days for strep pharyngitis and may be up to 10 days for strep skin infections.
Prevalence
- Prevalence is equal in boys and girls.
- By age 10 years, 80% of children have developed toxin-specific antibodies.
Risk Factors
- Close contact with a case of scarlet fever
- Crowded living conditions may contribute (schools, daycare centers, military training centers).
- Prior sensitization to S. pyogenes is required.
- Susceptible individuals may lack toxin-specific immunity.
General Prevention
- Control measures were ineffective in a school outbreak. These included hygiene advice and exclusion of infected students for 24 hours while initiating penicillin treatment.
- Prompt treatment of infection leads to fewer secondary cases of streptococcal disease.
Pathophysiology
- Susceptible individuals are thought to lack toxin-specific immunity. This is supported by results of the now seldom-used Dick test, in which a small amount of toxin introduced intradermally produces local erythema in susceptible individuals but no reaction in those with toxin-specific immunity.
- Rash and other toxic manifestations of scarlet fever have been attributed to the development of hypersensitivity to the toxin, which requires prior exposure to the toxin.
- Toxin is produced when viral DNA is introduced into the streptococcal genome by a bacteriophage.
- Histologic examination of affected skin shows dilated blood and lymphatic vessels and engorged capillaries, most prominently around hair follicles.
- Acute, edematous polymorphonuclear inflammatory reaction is seen microscopically within affected tissues.
- Epidermal inflammatory reaction is usually followed by hyperkeratosis, which accounts for scaling during defervescence.
Etiology
Scarlet fever is a toxin-mediated consequence of infection with group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus.
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Citation
Cabana, Michael D., editor. "Scarlet Fever." 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 8th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2019. Pediatrics Central, peds.unboundmedicine.com/pedscentral/view/5-Minute-Pediatric-Consult/617657/all/Scarlet_Fever.
Scarlet Fever. In: Cabana MDM, ed. 5-Minute Pediatric Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2019. https://peds.unboundmedicine.com/pedscentral/view/5-Minute-Pediatric-Consult/617657/all/Scarlet_Fever. Accessed October 11, 2024.
Scarlet Fever. (2019). In Cabana, M. D. (Ed.), 5-Minute Pediatric Consult (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. https://peds.unboundmedicine.com/pedscentral/view/5-Minute-Pediatric-Consult/617657/all/Scarlet_Fever
Scarlet Fever [Internet]. In: Cabana MDM, editors. 5-Minute Pediatric Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2019. [cited 2024 October 11]. Available from: https://peds.unboundmedicine.com/pedscentral/view/5-Minute-Pediatric-Consult/617657/all/Scarlet_Fever.
* Article titles in AMA citation format should be in sentence-case
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