Streptococcal Toxic shock syndrome is due to the following virulence factor

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is caused by pyrogenic exotoxin. Pyrogenic exotoxin (erythrogenic, shock, scarlatinal toxin): the primary effect of the toxin is induction of fever and so it was renamed streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE). 3 types of SPE are identified- A, B, C. Types A and C are coded by bacteriophage genes while type B gene is chromosomal. SPE is superantigens, T cell mitogens that induce a massive release of inflammatory cytokines, causing fever, shock and tissue damage. Reference: Textbook of Microbiology; Anathanarayan and paniker's; 10th edition; Page no: 213, 214