Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome - Suspicion and prevention are keys to control

The incidence of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has decreased steadily since the 1980s, when it was first linked with use of superabsorbent tampons by menstruating women. Nonetheless, the disorder still occurs and sometimes is overlooked as a possible cause of acute illness. TSS now is recognized as a toxin-mediated, multisystem illness that strikes primarily in healthy people of any age. It is characterized by early onset of shock with multiorgan failure and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this article, Drs Issa and Thompson discuss clinical presentation, pathogenesis, treatment, and outcome of staphylococcal TSS.