Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a toxin-mediated clinical illness characterized by rapid onset of fever, diffuse macular rash, hypotension, and multiorgan system involvement.
-associated with tampon use, S aureus colonization of nasopharynx, vagina, rectum, wounds, abscesses
-Symptoms are due to the production and release of exotoxins by S.aureus
Symptoms & Signs
-Tongue is usually reddened (Strawberry tongue)
-Subconjuntival hemorrhages
-Fever, vomiting, watery diarrhea
-Diffuse macular rash followed by desquamation particularly on palms and soles
Diagnosis: Blood cultures are negative in most cases because symptoms are due to the effects of the toxin; wound cultures show S.aureus
Treatment: Treatment of shock, antibiotic therapy, Removal of sources of toxin (eg, removal of tampon, drainage of abscess), surgical debridement
Staph TSS vs Strep TSS: Unlike Staph TSS, Strep TSS generally lack a rash, have bacteremia and have an associated soft-tissue infection