What causes staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome?

What causes staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Often toxic shock syndrome results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria.

What is staphylococcal TSS?

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a clinical illness characterized by rapid onset of fever, rash, hypotension, and multiorgan system involvement.

Is TSS a staph infection?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by exotoxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Although classically described as occurring with tampon use, TSS may occur after many staphylococcal or streptococcal soft-tissue infections.

Is Staphylococcus aureus toxic?

Amongst the more common toxins secreted by S. aureus are hemolysin, leukotoxin, exfoliative toxin, enterotoxin, and toxic-shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). Aside from toxins, staphylococcal virulence factors also include enzymes and surface proteins.

What illness does Staphylococcus aureus cause?

It is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses (boils), furuncles, and cellulitis. Although most staph infections are not serious, S. aureus can cause serious infections such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or bone and joint infections.

Is Staphylococcus aureus an STD?

Although S. aureus is not traditionally defined as a sexually-transmitted pathogen, these populations may be united through their increased prevalence of S. aureus carriage at multiple body sites, including the genitals, and may consequently be at elevated risk of infection.

How long do you have to wear a tampon to get toxic shock syndrome?

To err on the side of caution, remove a tampon after 4 to 6 hours, but no longer than 8 hours. After 8 hours, your risk of developing TSS — along with other infections or irritations — increases. Although TSS is very rare, it’s always best to be careful when it comes to your menstrual health.

What happens if you leave your tampon in for 12 hours?

While the instructions on the tampon box encourage women to change their tampon every eight hours, sometimes people forget to change them or occasionally may lose them. Leaving a tampon in for longer than 8-12 hours, can increase risk of infection or possibly TSS, according to Jessica Shepherd, a gynecologist.

What kind of bacteria can cause toxic shock syndrome?

The three main types of bacteria that can cause toxic shock syndrome are staphylococcus aureus, clostridium sordelli and streptococcus pyogenes. In many cases, these bacteria live on the skin or on the mucous membranes without causing any ill effects.

What are the symptoms of Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome?

Symptoms of TSS involve many systems and may look like other infections. While each person may experience symptoms differently, the following are the most common symptoms of staphylococcal TSS: Rash that is red and flat and that covers most of the areas of the body

What kind of toxin does Staphylococcus aureus cause?

S aureus can express two different types of toxin with superantigen activity, enterotoxins, of which there are six serotypes (A, B, C, D, E and G) and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1). Enterotoxins cause diarrhea and vomiting when ingested and are responsible for staphylococcal food poisoning.

Who is most at risk for toxic shock syndrome?

Often toxic shock syndrome results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone, including men, children and postmenopausal women.

The following are the most common symptoms of TSS, however each person may experience symptoms differently. CDC criteria for Staphylococcus TSS include: Fever of 102 degrees F or higher. Chills. Malaise (uneasiness and despair) Headache. Fatigue. Red, flat rash that covers most of the areas of the body.

How can you treat and prevent toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome: Treatment and Prevention IV Antibiotics. This the most common way doctors treat TSS. Immunoglobulin Therapy. If your TSS is very severe, your doctor may try to treat it with immunoglobulin. Treatment for Symptoms. If you have an infection that is very severe, you may have to have surgery to remove dead tissue and deep clean your wound to get rid

What are treatments for toxic shock syndrome?

Patients with toxic shock syndrome are hospitalized and treated with: Intravenous fluids and certain medicines to raise blood pressure and improve blood flow to vital organs. Antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection and releasing the toxin.

What are the effects of toxic shock syndrome?

Known side effects of toxic shock syndrome. The side effects of toxic shock syndrome may vary per patient, and they often manifest suddenly. Common side effects of TSS usually include: Confusion. Diarrhea. Difficulty breathing. Dizziness or fainting. Drowsiness.