| Toxic shock syndrome is a staphylococcal disease caused by toxins produced by the staphylococci, toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and enterotoxin B. The disease results from staphylococci growing in the vagina with the use of tampons during menstruation, primarily in young women. However, any staphylococcal infection can result in toxic shock syndrome if the staphylococci produce the appropriate toxins and the individual has no antibodies to the toxins. The symptoms can be quite severe, with high fever, low blood pressure, diffuse macular erythroderma, orthostatic dizziness, vomiting and or diarrhea at the onset, severe myalgia, peeling of the skin of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet after seven to ten days, and death in some cases. The disease... |
