Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffToxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of bacterial infection that has been most often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons and occasionally with the use of contraceptive sponges.
Often toxic shock syndrome results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria.
While the syndrome often occurs in menstruating women, it can also affect men, children and postmenopausal women. Other risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds and surgery.
Signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly, and the disease can be fatal. You can take steps to reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome.
Symptoms- Cosgrove SE. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 4, 2009.
- Moreillon P, et al. Staphylococcus aureus (including staphylococcal toxic shock). In: Mandell GL, et al. Principles and Practices of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/124020242-3/0/1259/1580.html?tocnode=51381930&fromURL=1580.html. Accessed March 5, 2009.
- Eckert LO, et al. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/124020242-4/0/1524/147.html?tocnode=53759472&fromURL=147.html. Accessed March 5, 2009.
- Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women's Health. www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menstruation.pdf. Accessed March 5, 2009.
