Skin biopsy PCR enables rapid diagnosis of tattoo-associated staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.
Justin Destoop, Sonia Senoune, Aurianne De-Waard et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 29-year-old man presented with fever, diarrhea, hypotension, and purpuric lesions on a calf tattoo done three days prior. Laboratory tests indicated systemic inflammation and acute kidney injury. Despite negative blood cultures, a diffuse rash suggested staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS). PCR from a skin biopsy confirmed Staphylococcus aureus and TSST-1. The patient improved rapidly with clindamycin and β-lactam therapy.
What made this case unusual
The case underscores the utility of PCR testing on skin biopsy specimens for diagnosing tattoo-associated staphylococcal TSS, especially when blood cultures are negative.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider staphylococcal TSS in patients with recent tattoos presenting with systemic symptoms and localized skin lesions, even when blood cultures are negative.
Why it matters
This case emphasizes the importance of rapid diagnostic techniques like PCR in managing potentially life-threatening infections associated with tattoos.