what disease has a similar clinical course to tss

by Julio Howell 5 min read

Symptoms

Although many different bacteria from a wide variety of sources have been reported to cause TSS, the common link between infection and TSS is the production of a superantigen, which stimulates massive cytokine release and a systemic inflammatory response leading to shock.

Causes

Treatment for TSS may include: Giving intravenous (through a vein) antibiotics. Giving intravenous fluid to treat shock and prevent organ damage. Heart medications in people with very low blood pressure. Dialysis may be required in people who develop kidney failure.

Prevention

The following bacteria commonly cause TSS: 1 Staphylococcus aureus 2 Streptococcus pyogenes 3 Clostridium sordellii More ...

Complications

The differential diagnosis of patients in the early stages of STSS is broad, including other viral or bacterial infections (such as staphylococcal toxic shock); therefore, patients are often misdiagnosed. Diagnosis of STSS is made based on the Nationally Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System 2010 case definition.

What is the relationship between TSS and infection?

What is the best treatment for TSS?

What bacteria causes TSS?

What is included in the differential diagnoses of STSS?

Is sepsis the same as toxic shock syndrome?

Sepsis is a body-wide response to infection caused by bacteria or other substances. Septic shock is a serious case of sepsis, where the body goes into shock (life-threatening low blood pressure). TSS is a special form of septic shock caused by the toxins of the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria.

What is the rare but serious medical condition associated with tampons?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins. It's often associated with tampon use in young women, but it can affect anyone of any age – including men and children.

Which disease is due to an increase in use of super absorbency tampons?

Tampons can increase the risk of TSS in two ways, including: Tampons (especially super-absorbent varieties) that are left in the vagina for a long time may encourage the bacteria to grow.

What are the 3 major criteria of toxic shock syndrome?

CDC Criteria for toxic shock syndrome and STSS Low blood pressure (including fainting or dizziness on standing) Widespread red flat rash. Shedding of skin, especially on palms and soles, 1–2 weeks after onset of illness.

Can you get toxic shock syndrome without using a tampon?

Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone, including men, children and postmenopausal women. Risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds, surgery, and the use of tampons and other devices, such as menstrual cups, contraceptive sponges or diaphragms.

Can wearing a pad for too long cause toxic shock syndrome?

Can you get toxic shock syndrome from wearing a pad for too long? Nope. The risk for developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is associated with the use of tampons and other period products that are inserted into the vagina, like menstrual cups and discs.

Is toxic shock syndrome acute or chronic?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute-onset illness characterized by fever, hypotension, sunburn-like rash, and end-organ damage. TSS was classically associated with high absorbency tampon use in menstruating women until eventually, these were taken off the market.

Can toxic shock syndrome cause death?

Toxic shock syndrome affects menstruating women, especially those who use super-absorbent tampons. The body responds with a sharp drop in blood pressure that deprives organs of oxygen and can lead to death.

Can tampons cause BV?

Do not use feminine sprays, powders, or scented tampons. They may cause irritation and increase your risk for vaginosis. Detergents and fabric softeners may also cause irritation.

What is the difference between toxic shock syndrome and toxic shock like syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by a toxin produced by some types of staphylococcus bacteria. A similar problem, called toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS), can be caused by toxin from streptococcal bacteria. Not all staph or strep infections cause toxic shock syndrome.

What is strep syndrome?

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rare, but serious bacterial infection. STSS can develop very quickly into low blood pressure, multiple organ failure, and even death. Good wound care, hand hygiene, and cough etiquette are important for preventing this serious and often deadly disease.

Does Staphylococcus aureus cause TSS?

Toxic shock syndrome describes a cluster of symptoms that involve many systems of the body. It can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Clostridium sordellii.

What is toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Often toxic shock syndrome results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone, ...

What are the risk factors for toxic shock syndrome?

Risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds, surgery, and the use of tampons and other devices, such as menstrual cups, contraceptive sponges or diaphragms.

Can toxic shock affect anyone?

Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. About half the cases of toxic shock syndrome associated with staphylococci bacteria occur in women of menstruating age; the rest occur in older women, men and children. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurs in people of all ages.

What tests are needed for toxic shock syndrome?

Because toxic shock syndrome can affect multiple organs, your doctor may order other tests, such as a CT scan, lumbar puncture or chest X-ray, to assess the extent of your illness.

What to do if you have toxic shock syndrome?

If you develop toxic shock syndrome, you'll likely be hospitalized. In the hospital, you'll: Be treated with antibiotics while doctors seek the infection source. Receive medication to stabilize your blood pressure if it's low and fluids to treat dehydration. Receive supportive care to treat other signs and symptoms.

Is toxic shock syndrome an emergency?

Toxic shock syndrome usually is diagnosed in an emergency setting. However, if you're concerned about your risk of toxic shock syndrome, see your doctor to check your risk factors and talk about prevention. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

Can toxic shock be diagnosed?

Diagnosis. There's no one test for toxic shock syndrome. You may need to provide blood and urine samples to test for the presence of a staph or strep infection. Your vagina, cervix and throat may be swabbed for samples to be analyzed in a lab.

What is TSS syndrome?

TSS was first described by Todd et al in 1978 [ 65] as an acute disease that was associated with strains of staphylococci of Phage Group I that produced a unique epidermal toxin. It should be noted that classification of TSS strains of staphylococci by phage group is mostly of historical interest because it is now understood that the ability of a particular strain of staphylococcus to produce toxin is dependent on the presence of a mobile genetic element that contains the genes for toxin production. The syndrome is characterized by fever, hypotension, diffuse or palmar erythema followed by desquamation of the skin of the hands and feet, hyperemia of the mucous membranes, and multiorgan system dysfunction. The first large-scale outbreak of TSS was characterized by a predilection for affecting young women.

What are the symptoms of TSS?

A prodrome of mild constitutional symptoms, including malaise, myalgias, and chills, often precedes the symptoms of TSS. Eventually fever develops, along with lethargy, diarrhea, chills, nausea, and altered mental status.

What is the difference between staphylococcal and streptococcal TSS?

Although staphylococcal TSS commonly results from mucosal colonization with toxin-producing or from barely evident skin lesions, streptococcal TSS is often associated with significant foci of infection that may be evident on examination.

What is toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by pyrogenic toxin superantigens produced by S. aureus. These superantigens include TSST-1 and several enterotoxins, most commonly staphylococcal enterotoxin serotype B or C. 260,261 Before the 1980s, TSS occurred most commonly in menstruating women, particularly in those who used tampons. 262 More recently, disease has been recognized in persons with focal infection or surgical wound infection due to S. aureus, including MRSA. The disease is characterized by sudden onset of fever, diarrhea, shock, hyperemia of the mucous membranes, and a diffuse macular erythematous rash, followed by desquamation of the hands and feet.

What is the cause of TSS?

TSS is caused by toxin-producing strains of S. aureus. Manifestations of the disease are mediated primarily by the toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1) and staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC). These toxins are capable of widespread polyclonal activation of T cells, which results in massive cytokine release and in the clinical picture of TSS.

What is the name of the syndrome associated with S. aureus?

Toxic shock syndrome associated with S. aureus infections was originally referred to as TSS, 48 though in this chapter this syndrome is designated Staph TSS to distinguish it from Strep TSS.

How long does it take for a TSS to manifest?

The sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, vomiting, sore throat, myalgia, and diarrhea is followed by hypotension, respiratory distress, edema, and rash within 24 to 48 hours.

What is toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is most closely associated with group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE). SDSE may be identified in microbiology laboratories as either “Group C” or “Group G” streptococcus.

Why do people develop staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome?

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome occurs predominantly among younger patients, because the vast majority of people develop antibodies to staphylococcal toxins by mid-adulthood. Consequently, in an adult ICU population the considerable majority of toxic shock presentations will result from streptococci.

What is the primary focus of streptococcal toxic shock?

In streptococcal toxic shock, most patients will have an evident focus of infection (often cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis). In some cases, the primary focus may be subtle (e.g., a small skin abscess or patch of cellulitis). Pain out of proportion to examination may signal necrotizing fasciitis.

What is the yield of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome?

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Blood cultures have a yield of ~60%. Other sterile sites may yield cultures depending on the site of infection (e.g., Group A streptococcus has a tendency to cause empyema or peritoneal infection).

What are the criteria for a systolic Bp of 2 mg/dL?

Clinical criteria#N#(1) Hypotension with Systolic Bp <90 mm#N#(2) Multiorgan involvement with at least three systems:#N#Gastrointestinal (vomiting / diarrhea)#N#Muscular (severe myalgias or creatinine kinase above twice the upper limit of normal )#N#Mucous membrane involvement (conjunctival, oropharyngeal, or vaginal hyperemia)#N#Renal#N#Creatinine >2 mg/dL (>177 uM/L), or,#N#In patients with chronic kidney disease: a creatinine increase by more than two-fold over baseline.#N#Hepatic#N#Total bilirubin, AST, or ALT above twice the upper limit of normal, or,#N#In patients with chronic liver disease: elevation by more than two-fold over baseline.#N#Hematologic#N#Platelets < 100,000/mm3, or,#N#Disseminated intravascular coagulation (defined by prolonged clotting times, low fibrinogen level, and markedly elevated D-dimer)#N#Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)#N#Skin: Generalized erythematous, macular rash that can eventually desquamate.#N#Soft tissue necrosis (gangrene, myositis, or necrotizing fasciitis).

Can invasive streptococcal infection cause toxic shock?

The most common source is a soft-tissue infection (e.g., cellulitis, myositis, or necrotizing fasciitis), but any invasive streptococcal infection can cause toxic shock.

Can linezolid cause thrombocytopenia?

Ongoing exposure to linezolid may eventually cause thrombocytopenia (as a cumulative, dose-related adverse effect). ( 30567096 ) A few days of linezolid are probably fine, even in patients with mild thrombocytopenia (as is often the case in toxic shock).

What is STSS in medical terms?

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a disease defined as an infection with Streptococcus pyogenes accompanied by sudden onset of shock, organ failure, and frequently death.

What is the most likely cause of STSS?

Additionally, strains of group A strep that produce certain virulence factors and exotoxins, particularly streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins, are more likely to cause STSS and other severe infections. 1. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also increase risk, although evidence for this is limited.

How does STSS happen?

Any group A strep infection may progress to STSS. Disease occurs with entry of the bacterium through a compromised barrier (such as a skin injury) or through mucus membranes. The bacteria then spread to deep tissues and eventually to the bloodstream. The main sites of entry for streptococci leading to toxic shock syndrome include:

What are the risk factors for STSS?

STSS can occur in anyone, but risk factors can include: Age: STSS is more common in adults 65 years of age or older. Skin injury or breakdown: Recently having surgery, a viral infection that causes open sores (like varicella), or other skin injury increases risk for developing STSS.

What are the symptoms of STSS?

STSS often begins with influenza-like symptoms, including: Fever. Chills. Myalgia. Nausea. Vomiting. These symptoms often quickly progress to sepsis with hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, and signs and symptoms suggestive of specific organ failure, including of the following organ systems: Kidney. Liver.

What is invasive group A strep?

An illness associated with invasive or noninvasive group A strep infection with the following clinical manifestations: Hypotension defined by a systolic blood pressure less than or equal to 90 mm Hg for adults or less than the fifth percentile by age for children aged less than 16 years.

What is the mortality rate for STSS?

Despite aggressive treatment, the mortality rate for STSS ranges from 30% to 70%.5 Mortality from STSS is substantially lower in children than adults. Known complications of shock and organ failure can occur, including tissue necrosis and loss of extremities.

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Overview

Symptoms

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Symptoms
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of Toxic shock syndrome, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms are variable and sudden. It also depends on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Low blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle pain
  • Malaise and confusion
  • Rashes on the soles and palms
  • Peeling of the skin

Causes

  • The condition is caused due to bacterial toxins from Streptococcus or Staphylococcus infection. Bacteria usually enter the body through openings in the skin such as wounds or cuts.
  • The risk factors include:
  • Open skin wound
  • Having had recent surgery
  • Using superabsorbent tampons or contraceptive sponges
  • Viral infection like flu or chicken pox
  • Recent childbirth
  • Using nasal packing to treat nosebleed
  • Immunosuppression

Prevention

The following safety measures can decrease risk:

  • Treat wounds and burns early, to facilitate faster healing
  • Keep cuts and incisions clean and change dressings regularly
  • Change tampons frequently (about every 4-8 hours)
  • Avoid superabsorbent tampons, and alternate tampons with sanitary napkins and panty liners
  • There is a risk of re-infection, so avoid female barrier contraception and tampons

Complications

If untreated for a prolonged period it may lead to

  • Recurrence
  • Liver failure
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Shock; reduced blood flow through the body
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)

Causes

Risk Factors

Complications

  • Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Often toxic shock syndrome results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone, including men, childre…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • Possible signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include: 1. A sudden high fever 2. Low blood pressure 3. Vomiting or diarrhea 4. A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles 5. Confusion 6. Muscle aches 7. Redness of your eyes, mouth and throat 8. Seizures 9. Headaches
See more on mayoclinic.org