Immunopathogenesis of Severe Group A Streptococcal Infections

This study, a collaborative effort with researchers at the University of Tennessee and the Karolinska Institute of Huddinge, Sweden, is exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which specific host immunogenetic factors control the potency of the immune responses to super-antigens produced by the infecting organisms and their influence on the clinical outcomes associated with group A streptococcal disease. Initial results from this study prompted a clinical evaluation of the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in reducing cytokine response in vivo and in reducing mortality in patients with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Results of these studies showing a 30% reduction in mortality were recently published.

• Publications/Presentations
• Investigators and Collaborators