ABSTRACT
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) was originally described in children and teenagers, but is now widely thought of as a gynaecological condition. It is probably due to the effects of an exotoxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus (‘toxic shock syndrome toxin’ or TSST1). Occasionally Group A, β Haemolytic streptococci can cause similar systemic disturbance related to toxin secretion (‘erythrogenic toxin A’). There is a strong association with menstruation and the use of tampons, especially those with very high absorbency, but can occur in other situations including post-partum.
