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Non-Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare severe illness characterized by fever, widespread rash and shock. The disease is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Toxic shock syndrome is caused by two types of Staphylococcus bacteria.

  1. Tampons

    • Toxic shock syndrome became widely known in the early 1980s when it was associated with the use of super-absorbent tampons. After manufacturers made changes to tampon materials, cases caused by tampon use have become uncommon.

    Bacteria

    • Both menstrual and non-menstrual toxic shock syndrome are caused by either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, which release exotoxins. The toxins then release massive amounts of cytokines that cause the lethal symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.

    Symptoms

    • Toxic shock syndrome causes high fever, low blood pressure, damage to organs and shock. The rash associated with toxic shock syndrome can cause skin to shed from the body, particularly from the palms and soles.

    Causes

    • Causes other than tampons include contraceptive diaphragms and sponges used by women, complications from local or systemic infections, such as sinusitis or pneumonia, and skin wounds or burns.

    Affected Population

    • Men and women of all age groups are susceptible to toxic shock syndrome. Most cases have been documented in healthy people between 20 and 50 years of age.

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