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Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)
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Toxic shock syndrome

Definition:
Toxic shock syndrome is a severe disease caused by a toxin made by Staphylococcus aureus, characterized by shock and multiple organ dysfunction.

Alternative Names:
TSS; Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome

Causes, incidence, and 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.



Review Date: 8/4/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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