Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that has been most often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons and occasionally with the use of contraceptive sponges.


In 1980, a small epidemic of toxic shock syndrome occurred that for the most part involved young women who had been using a particular brand of superabsorbent tampons. The cause of the outbreak seemed to be toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria.

While the infection often occurs in menstruating women, it can also affect men, children and postmenopausal women. Risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include the use of tampons, especially prolonged use, the use of barrier forms of contraception, skin wounds and surgery.

Signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly, and the disease is fatal in about 5 percent of all cases. The number of cases has dropped dramatically since the early 1980s. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently.

 

1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

questa pagina è aggiornata al 10/05/2005