Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare very serious bacterial infection. It occurs when poisons (toxins) produced by a certain types of bacteria enter the bloodstream. Although it can affect men, women, and children, more than half the cases of TSS today occur in menstruating women.

TSS was identified during the early 1980s, when a large number of cases occurred in women who were using highly absorbent tampons. Today, TSS associated with menstruation is relatively rare --about 10 cases each year. It is also rarely associated with the use of birth control methods such as the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm.  It can be treated with antibiotics.

Causes

There are three different bacteria that cause this condition: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Clostridium sordelli. All these bacteria can live in the nose, mouth, vagina and on the skin without causing disease. If normal conditions change and they grow quickly they can produce toxins and cause a serious infection.Staphylococcus aureus is a   bacteria that is associated with the use of tampons, but it can affect anyone who has a staph infection such as pneumonia, skin or wound infection, septicemia (a blood infection), or osteomyelitis (a bone infection).  Strep pyogenes can cause streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, or STSS. STSS if they infect cuts, scrapes, surgical wounds, and chickenpox blisters. It almost never is associated with a simple streptococcus infection of the throat (strep throat).

Factors that can increase the risk of TSS include:

• Use of highly absorbent tampons which may allow bacteria to remain in the vagina for a longer than normal time and to grow quickly.

• Use of diaphragms or vaginal sponges to prevent pregnancy

• Recent childbirth

• Recent surgery

• Wounds or infections

Symptoms

The symptoms of TSS can develop very quickly. If you have these symptoms -- especially if you have just had a menstrual period and used tampons -- see your doctor right away:

• Sudden high fever (102 degrees F or higher)

• Sunburn like rash, especially on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet

• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

• Red eyes, mouth, and throat

• Headaches

• Dizziness, confusion

• Achy muscles

If you develop TSS you may need to be hospitalized. You will be given antibiotics.

Prevention

• If you use tampons, avoid highly absorbent tampons and change them frequently. Do not use tampons overnight.

• If you use diaphragms or vaginal sponges for contraception, don't leave them in longer than the recommended time.