What Causes Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare infectious disease that, if left untreated, can lead to death. While mostly associated with women, the infection can be present in men. It is imperative that people are educated about the cause of TSS in order to protect themselves from infection.

Simple Answer

• An infection-creating bacteria causes TSS. Symptoms include high fever, diarrhea, faintness, and head and muscle aches. Later symptoms include low blood pressure, rash, necrotic tissue, and finally organ failure and death.

Tampons

• Young women are the most susceptible to TSS when using tampons during menstruation. Menstruating women make up more than half of reported cases of TSS.

Ideal Environment

• Menstruation causes a steady blood flow in the vagina. The blood creates a protein-rich environment, which is ideal for bacterial growth. Tampon use also creates higher levels of oxygen in the vagina--also necessary for bacterial growth.

Reducing the Risk

• Women should use lower absorbency tampons to lower the risk of developing TSS, and only use tampons during menstruation.

Cuts and Scrapes

• TSS can also be transferred through open cuts and abrasions in the skin. The bacteria can be carried on unwashed hands, and introduced to the blood stream by direct contact between the bacteria and an open wound.

Treatment

• TSS is a potentially fatal disease, but it can be treated with antibiotics. Those with severe symptoms will require a hospital stay. The duration is dependent on the severity of the infection and the symptoms.