Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome - Suspicion and prevention are keys tocontrol

The incidence of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has decreased st eadily 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 re cognized as a toxin-mediated, multisystem illness that strikes primarily in healthy people of any age. It is characterized by early onset of shock wit h multiorgan failure and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this article, Drs Issa and Thompson discuss clinical present ation, pathogenesis, treatment, and outcome of staphylococcal TSS.