Common Bacterias Can Cause Quite a Toxic Shock!

Staphylococcus & Streptococcus

Although first described in children in 1978, most people became familiar with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in the early 1980s, when 812 cases of menstrual-related TSS were reported.[1]. That outbreak was linked to the newly developed, super-absorbent tampons dominating the feminine hygiene market at the time. Proctor & Gamble’s “Rely” tampon, made of highly absorbent synthetic fibers including polyester sponges and chips of carboxy-methyl-cellulose, was particularly implicated and subsequently pulled from the market.[2] Since that time, due in part to tampon manufacturing changes and consumer awareness, the incidence of tampon-induced TSS has diminished by more than 40%[3]. The overall incidence of TSS in the United States is approximately 5-10 cases per 100,000 population, with an estimated 77-93% of those cases occurring in women. Likewise, the TSS mortality rate has also declined from 5.6% to 3.3%.[4]

Both menstrual and non-menstrual forms of TSS are caused by the release of exotoxins,* such as Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 (TSST-1), from strains of the common bacterias Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pyogenes.[5] It is only when the bacteria - uncommonly - begins to secrete such poisonous toxins that the disease occurs. If not treated, the toxin production leads to the development of high fever, rash, dangerously low blood pressure, shock, multiple organ failure, and in some cases, ultimately even death.

While TSS is commonly associated with tampon use in menstruating women, men, children and non-menstruating women of all ages can also develop TSS. Possible sources of TSS in addition to tampon usage include surgical wounds (including packing following nasal surgery), childbirth, long-term usage of a diaphragm, skin wounds such as those related to chickenpox, and other localized infection.[6] TSS cannot normally be passed from person to person.