Novel case of an adult with toxic shock syndrome following COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of an adult who developed toxic shock syndrome following COVID-19 infection. Observations: A 28-year-old female tested positive for COVID-19. 19 days later, she developed a fever, rash and a burning sensation in both eyes. Her examination revealed mild ocular inflammation with bilateral eyelid and conjunctival involvement. Skin biopsy favored a diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome. She was initiated on corticosteroid eye drops and her ocular symptoms resolved three days later. Conclusion and importance: Toxic shock syndrome is almost always associated with conjunctival inflammation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an adult patient with toxic shock syndrome following COVID-19 infection. The association between toxic shock syndrome and COVID-19 is unclear; however, patients should be vigilant for symptoms as toxic shock syndrome can progress rapidly and cause multi-organ failure.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• Conjunctivitis
• Toxic shock syndrome