User:Doc James/Test1

• Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a severe systemic illness characterized by a constellation of symptoms: shock, fever, erythematous or desquamating rash, GI symptoms, and CNS disturbances. It is often mistaken for viral illness or septic shock.
• It is caused by some subgroups of Staph or Strep which produce exotoxins (ex. staphylococcal TSST-1) that act as a superantigen, over-activating the immune system by bypassing the usual steps of the immune sequence.
  • Staphylococcal TSS:
    • less common.
    • younger, healthier patients – pediatric patients are much less likely to have anti-TSST-1 antibodies.
    • typical source is mucosal colonization with clinically silent or unimpressive infection; classically a tampon, nasal packing, or postpartum.
    • burns and burn dressings, especially in children

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      with a low TBSA burn, are a more common source since the decline of synthetic high-absorbency menstrual products.

  • Streptococcal TSS:
    • more common, and increasing prevalence.
    • higher mortality.
    • occurs as a result of invasive streptococcal infection – often a skin or soft tissue infection (like Necrotizing Fasciitis) which is less likely to be occult.
  • If unidentified and untreated, TSS can have a high mortality (up to 50%!)