Toxic shock syndrome

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Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

TSS; Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome

• High fever, sometimes accompanied by chills
• Malaise (discomfort, ill feeling)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Widespread red rash resembling a sunburn
• Rash followed in 1 or 2 weeks by peeling of the skin, particularly on the palms of the hand or bottom of the feet
• Redness of eyes, mouth, throat
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Organ failure (usually kidneys and liver)

There is no one diagnostic test for TSS. The diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome is based on several criteria: fever, low blood pressure, rash that peels after 1-2 weeks, and at least 3 organs with signs of dysfunction. In some cases, blood cultures may be positive for growth of S. aureus.

Review Date: 09/06/2006
Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.