TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME

Toxic Shock Syndrome grapples with the many unanswered questions regarding toxic shock syndrome (TSS), how tampons are involved, and the role that toxic-shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) plays in the pathophysiology of the disease. Topics discussed include an introduction and historical overview, the recurrence of the untreated disease in menstruating women, clinical manifestations, pathologic and pathophysiologic aspects, and the organism and TSST-1. Critical reviews of the animal models of TSS are provided and theories regarding tampon involvement are explored using in vitro and animal model in vivo data. Toxic Shock Syndrome will serve as an in-depth review of TSS for researchers in the field and physicians extending their knowledge of this enigmatic staphylococcal toxemia.