Toxic Shock Syndrome
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin. Different bacterial toxins may cause toxic shock syndrome, depending on the situation. The causative agents are the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
What are the Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome vary depending on the underlying cause. In either case, diagnosis is based strictly upon CDC criteria modified in 1981 after the initial surge in tampon-associated infections. TSS resultant of infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus typically manifests in otherwise healthy individuals with high fever, accompanied by low blood pressure, malaise and confusion, which can rapidly progress to stupor, coma, and multi-organ failure. The characteristic rash, often seen early in the course of illness, resembles a sunburn, and can involve any region of the body, including the lips, mouth, eyes, palms and soles. In patients who survive the initial onslaught of the infection, the rash sheds, or peels off, after 10–14 days.
What are the Causes of Toxic Shock Syndrome
The primary cause of toxic shock syndrome is a toxin produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.
Exactly why and how Staphylococcus aureus causes this disease is not completely understood but for the disease to occur two things are necessary. First, the bacteria need an environment in which they can grow rapidly and release toxins and then the toxins must have a way of getting into the bloodstream.
A tampon, it is believed is a perfect medium for the bacteria to grow. The toxins then only have to enter the bloodstream for the disease to develop.
Traditional Medical Treatments for Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome requires immediate hospital care Call 999 immediately.
Women wearing a tampon at the onset of symptoms should remove it immediately. The severity of this disease results in hospitalization for treatment.Antibiotic treatment consists of penicillin and clindamycin.
One of the symptoms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is extreme infection of the skin and deeper parts is called necrotizing fasciitis. This often requires prompt surgical treatment.
With proper treatment, patients usually recover in two to three weeks. The condition, however, can be fatal within hours. Sometimes it is required that patients are admitted to the intensive care unit for supportive care in case of multiple organ failure.