Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a relatively rare disease
associated with
infections by varieties of the common
bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It is apparently caused by absorption of a bacterial
toxin into the bloodstream of persons lacking antibodies against the toxin. Symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and a sunburnlike skin rash. About 60% of the
cases affect
menstruating women, but TSS also occurs in children, men, and nonmenstruating women, and 5% of all cases are fatal.
In menstruating women, TSS has been associated with use of superabsorbing
tampons containing fibers that strongly absorb magnesium, which seems to enhance toxin production. In other persons, TSS has been linked with various infections and the use of some barrier contraceptive devices. Preventive measures for menstruating women include not using tampons or using them intermittently with external pads. Treatment includes antibiotic and supportive therapy. A similar illness has been reported in association with the bacterium Group A streptococcus.
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