Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe sudden disease. It is caused by infection with strains of Staphylococcus aureus, phage group I. These strains make a unique poison, enterotoxin F. It is most common in menstruating women using high absorbency tampons. However, it has been seen in newborn infants, children, and men. The beginning of the syndrome is marked by sudden high fever, headache, sore throat with swelling of the mucous membranes, diarrhea, nausea, and red spots on the skin (erythroderma). Acute kidney failure, abnormal liver function, confusion, and hard-to-treat low blood pressure usually follow. Death may occur.
