Final answer:
Shock-like symptoms can be produced by high levels of S. pyogenes superantigens and the cytokines they stimulate, leading to a cytokine storm causing severe health complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Shock-like” symptoms can be produced by high levels of S. pyogenes superantigens and the cytokines they induce. Superantigens cause an excessive and nonspecific activation of immune cells which leads to a massive release of cytokines, a phenomenon often referred to as a cytokine storm. This response can result in high fevers, low blood pressure, multi-organ failure, shock, and even death. The superantigens produced by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes cause severe conditions such as toxic shock syndrome and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSS), both of which can lead to shock and life-threatening complications.