Toxic Shock Syndrome
Alternate Names : Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, TSS
DefinitionToxic shock syndrome is a severe disease caused by a toxin made by Staphylococcus aureus, characterized by shock and multiple organ dysfunction.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by a toxin produced by certain types of staphylococcus bacteria. Although the earliest described cases involved mostly menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons, only 55% of current cases are associated with menstruation. The illness can also occur in children, postmenopausal women, and men.
Risk factors include recent menstruation, recent use of barrier contraceptives such as diaphragms and vaginal sponges, vaginal tampon use (especially prolonged), recent childbirth, recent surgery, and current S. aureus infection.
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