A 23-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department due to one day of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pains. The symptoms developed rapidly over the course of the day. The patient is confused and unable to answer questions. She has no known medical problems and takes no medications. She lives with her boyfriend. The patient's temperature is 39.1 C (102.4 F), blood pressure is 88/50 mm Hg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 20/min. A diffuse, erythematous, macular rash resembling a sunburn is noted on dermatologic examination; pelvic examination reveals a tampon in the vagina. Laboratory results are as follows: A pregnancy test is negative. Activation of which of the following cells is most likely primarily responsible for this patient's condition?

Question

A 23-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department due to one day of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pains.  The symptoms developed rapidly over the course of the day.  The patient is confused and unable to answer questions.  She has no known medical problems and takes no medications.  She lives with her boyfriend.  The patient's temperature is 39.1 C (102.4 F), blood pressure is 88/50 mm Hg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 20/min.  A diffuse, erythematous, macular rash resembling a sunburn is noted on dermatologic examination; pelvic examination reveals a tampon in the vagina.  Laboratory results are as follows:  A pregnancy test is negative.  Activation of which of the following cells is most likely primarily responsible for this patient's condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Superantigens (eg, toxic shock syndrome toxin) interact with major histocompatibility complex molecules on antigen-presenting cells and the variable region of the T lymphocyte receptor to cause nonspecific, widespread activation of T cells.  This results in the release of interleukin (IL)-2 from the T cells and IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor from macrophages.  This immune cascade is responsible for the manifestations of toxic shock syndrome.

A 23-Year-Old Woman Is Brought to the Emergency Department Due