Toxic shock syndrome

[Merna]

Toxic shock syndrome is a group of rapidly progressive and severe symptoms that include fever, rash, dangerously low blood pressure, and failure of several organs. It is caused by toxins produced by the gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure How Bacteria Shape Up) Staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococci.

Using superabsorbent tampons or having an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococci increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
The syndrome can be fatal, particularly when caused by streptococci.
Doctors diagnose toxic shock syndrome by doing a physical examination and by culturing and identifying the bacteria.
Changing tampons frequently and not using superabsorbent tampons can help reduce the risk of the syndrome.
Treatment includes cleaning of the infected area, removing infected tissue, and using antibiotics.

(See also Overview of Bacteria.)