toxic shock syndrome

Also known as TSS, toxic shock, septic shock syndrome

condition caused by bacterial toxins

Key facts

Specialty: Infectious disease
Symptoms: Fever , rash , skin peeling , low blood pressure
Complications: Shock, kidney failure
Usual onset: Rapid
Types: Staphylococcal (menstrual and nonmenstrual), streptococcal
Causes: Streptococcus pyogenes , Staphylococcus aureus , others
Risk factors: Very absorbent tampons , skin lesions in young children
Diagnostic method: Based on symptoms
Differential diagnosis: Sepsis , Septic shock , Kawasaki's disease , Stevens–Johnson syndrome , scarlet fever
Treatment: Antibiotics , incision and drainage of any abscesses , intravenous immunoglobulin
Prognosis: Risk of death: ~50% (streptococcal), ~5% (staphylococcal)

Article

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a condition caused by bacterial toxins. Symptoms may include fever, rash, skin peeling, and low blood pressure. There may also be symptoms related to the specific underlying infection such as mastitis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis, or pneumonia.

TSS is typically caused by bacteria of the Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus type, though others may also be involved. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is sometimes referred to as toxic-shock-like syndrome (TSLS). The underlying mechanism involves the production of superantigens during an invasive streptococcus infection or a localized staphylococcus infection. Risk factors for the staphylococcal type include the use of very absorbent tampons, skin lesions in young children characterized by fever, low blood pressure, rash, vomiting and/or diarrhea, and multiorgan failure. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms.