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What is toxic shock syndrome?

Updated: 10/26/2022
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17y ago

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Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin. Different bacterial toxins may cause Toxic shock syndrome, depending on the situation. The causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus.

This infection can occur via the skin (e.g. cuts, surgery, burns), vagina (via tampon), or pharynx. However, most of the large number of individuals who are exposed to or colonized with toxin-producing strains of S. aureus or S. pyogenes do not develop toxic shock syndrome. One reason is that a large fraction of the population has protective antibodies against the toxins that cause TSS.[1] It is not clear why the antibodies are present in people who have never had the disease.1


1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_shock_syndrome

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17y ago
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9y ago

Toxic Shock Syndrome is an illness caused by bacterial toxins - although rare it is still thought to occur in as many as 1 in 700 women, and it is commonly associated with tampon use.

TSS occurs when certain strains of bacteria are allowed to multiply, these bacteria produce TSST-1 toxins and can enter the bloodstream via mucus membranes or damaged tissue, once in the bloodstream if a person lacks immunity to the toxins they can overwhelm the immune system. TSS can lead to major organ failure so can kill, in fact it can kill within just a week.


Tampons are a major cause of TSS because they allow the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply inside the body while preventing the vagina cleaning out those bacteria, tampons also damage vaginal tissues so give toxins direct access to the bloodstream.

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Related questions

What is the scientific name for Toxic Shock Syndrome?

The scientific name for Toxic Shock Syndrome is "Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome" or "Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome" depending on the bacterium that causes it.


Does toxic shock syndrome still goes on in other countries?

Toxic Shock Syndrome occurs globally.Toxic Shock Syndrome is not restricted to only certain countries.


What is the abbreviation of toxic shock syndrome?

The abbreviation for Toxic Shock Syndrome is TSS. Abbreviation means a shortened form of a word or a phrase, often using the first letters of the words in the phrase; Toxic Shock Syndrome: TSS.


Do you always have a fever with toxic shock syndrome?

Yes, you will always have a fever with toxic shock syndrome. You will also have low blood pressure.


Why has the incidence of toxic shock syndrome declined?

Toxic shock syndrome most often occurs in menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons. The incidence of toxic shock syndrome has declined markedly since this type of tampon was withdrawn from the market.


Which organism causes toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is commonly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium produces toxins that can lead to the symptoms associated with toxic shock syndrome when it infects certain areas of the body, such as wounds or tampons.


Who is most likely to get toxic shock syndrome?

Women using super-absorbent tampons during menstruation were found to be most likely to get toxic shock syndrome.


What infection can you from using a tampon?

You can get toxic shock syndrome.


Toxic shock syndrome has been associated with the use of?

Tampons


What did costumer Kelly Lindquist die of?

Toxic shock syndrome


Understanding Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious medical condition caused by toxins produced by certain bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It can be associated with tampon use, skin wounds, or surgery. Symptoms may include sudden high fever, low blood pressure, rash, and organ failure. Immediate medical attention is required if TSS is suspected.


Is toxic shock syndrome a bacterial infection?

Yes, Toxic Shock syndrome (TSS) is a bacterial infection where certain bacteria release toxins into the body. The bacteria responsible are staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes.