The syndrome is induced by epidermolytic exotoxins (exfoliatin) A and B, which are released by S. aureus and cause detachment within the epidermal layer; by breaking down tight-junctions.  One of the exotoxins is produced by the bacterial chromosome, while the other is produced by a plasmid.  (Bacterial plasmids are pieces of self-replicating DNA that often code for secondary characteristics, such as antibiotic resistance, and toxin production.) These exotoxins are proteases that cleave desmoglein-1, which normally holds the granulosum and spinosum layers together.
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome pathophysiology
Stevens-Johnson syndrome pathophysiology
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome laboratory findings
Group A streptococcal infection pathophysiology
Cat scratch fever pathophysiology
Group B streptococcal infection pathophysiology
Stevens-Johnson syndrome other diagnostic studies
Stevens-Johnson syndrome risk factors