Background:

Severe infections due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) have been identified in adults and may cause toxic shock syndrome, although with a low frequency.

Case report:

A preschool-age female patient, who started with an upper respiratory tract infection developing a gradual deterioration in the following three days, is described. She was admitted to the hospital in severe conditions, with tachypnea, tachycardia (200/min), hypotension (blood pressure 68/40 mmHg), capillary refill of 7 s, and erythematous maculopapular rash in thorax, abdomen and lower extremities. She received intensive management with an inadequate response. Furthermore, she developed multiple organ failure and died 8 h after admission. The blood culture was positive for S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis.

Conclusions:

SDSE is a rare pathogen in children. In Mexico, cases of SDSE have not been reported probably due to an inaccurate identification. Mexican pediatricians should be alert to this situation.