Toxic Shock Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Toxic shock syndrome ( TSS ) is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons, but it is now also known to be associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods. TSS is a toxin-mediated disease. Exotoxin toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) is the major toxin produced by strains of S aureus that are responsible for causing TSS. One reason is that a large fraction of the population has protective antibodies against the toxins that cause TSS Streptococcus pyogenes exotoxin A (SPEA) and S pyogenes exotoxin B (SPEB) are the major toxins produced by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. The toxins activate production of superantigens, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, M protein, and gamma-interferon. In rare cases, TSS has resulted from wounds or surgery incisions where bacteria have been able to enter the body and cause the infection. Toxic shock syndrome can happen to anyone — men, women, and children.A related infection, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, or STSS, is caused by streptococcus bacteria. Most often STSS appears after streptococcus bacteria have invaded areas of injured skin, such as cuts and scrapes, surgical wounds, and even chickenpox blisters. It almost never follows a simple streptococcus throat infection

TSS usually occurs in menstruating women, it can affect anyone who has any type of staph infection, including pneumonia, abscess, skin or wound infection, a blood infection called septicemia, or a bone infection called osteomyelitis The risk of getting TSS is already low. Menstruating women, women using barrier contraceptive devices, persons who have undergone nasal surgery, and persons with postoperative staphylococcal wound infections. Signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly, and the disease can be fatal. Symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, watery diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. The average time before symptoms appear for TSS is 2 to 3 days after an infection with Staphylococcus or Streptococcus , although this can vary depending on the cause of the infection. TSS can be treated with antibiotics to kill the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and other medicines which help counteract the symptoms. penicillins and cephalosporins have proven efficacy in treating Toxic Shock Syndrome.
using tampons, especially the superabsorbent variety. All wounds should be kept clean and monitored for signs of infection

Causes of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Common Causes and Risk factors of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Staphylococci ( S aureus )
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci ( S pyogenes ).
Nasal packing.
Common bacterial infections.
Viral infection with influenza A or varicella.
Diabetes mellitus.
Infection with HIV.

Sign and Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Common Sign and Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

High fever.
Faint feeling.
Watery diarrhea.
Headache.
Muscle aches.

Treatment for Toxic Shock Syndrome

Common Treatment for Toxic Shock Syndrome

Women wearing a tampon at the onset of symptoms should remove it immediately.
Use a sanitary towel or panty liner from time to time during your period.
Antibiotic treatment consists of penicillin and clindamycin also useful treatment for toxic shock syndrone.
Aggressive fluid resuscitation should begin in the field, especially for the severely hypotensive patient.
Clean and bandage any skin wounds.
Change bandages regularly, rather than keeping them on for several days.

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