Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Medical Author:
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEPDr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. What causes toxic shock syndrome?Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by certain types of infecting bacteria. The condition has been most often associated with the use of tampons in menstruating women. In 1980, an outbreak of TSS was linked to the use of one brand of superabsorbent tampons. Although this outbreak was linked to toxins produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, TSS can also be caused by toxins from the group A Streptococcus bacteria. The condition is sometimes subdivided and referred to as staphylococcal TSS and streptococcal TSS. Although this disease has been frequently linked to the use of tampons in menstruating women, it can affect people of any gender and any age. About half of the reported cases have been linked to the use of tampons in menstruating women, while the remaining cases are due to other situations. Tampons, especially when left in place for a long period of time, are thought to provide a breeding ground for the bacteria that subsequently release toxins to cause TSS. When not linked to tampon use, TSS can occur as a complication of surgery or skin infections. What are the risk factors for toxic shock syndrome?In the U.S., the incidence is approximately 1/100,000 women 15-44 years of age, with the overall incidence estimated at about twice that number. Risk factors are the use of tampons (especially when left in place for an extended time period) and barrier contraceptive devices in women, surgery (especially nasal surgery), the use of wound packings (such as nasal packings), and postoperative wound infection. |
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