A survey was made on the situation of Group A Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) based on questionnaires. The survey was divided into two parts. The first survey was done by sending out an outline of the STSS inquiring if any STSS cases were observed by mail to university hospitals, residence training hospitals and other major hospitals totaling 2512 institutes. The second survey was subsequently done to the institutes that had STSS cases asking for the clinical course, data and sampling of the bacteria.
The diagnosis of STSS was confirmed based on the diagnostic criteria induced by the working group of the United State. We have found 97 cases of STSS which 48.5% had fatal outcomes. There was no significant sex difference in the onset or the mortality rate. It occurred more in the older population, and occurred throught out Japan but was not found to be epidemic. The first case was backed in 1978 and it began to increase since 1993, reaching its peak in 1994 and now decreasing in number. Most of the isolated Group A streptococcus were of type Ml and M3. We have modified the United States diagnostic criteria creating a new Japanese criteria, which includes the symptoms of the central nervous system in the term MOF. The aim for the Japanese criteria is to search for the etiology of the disease. The Japanese criteria requires that the disease progresses rapidly and that the patient be free from any conditions that might suppress the immunal system.