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Toxic shock syndrome

Medium urgency
CommonModerately severe
Severe infectious disease caused by a toxin released by bacteria from the Staphylococcaceae family. The toxin reaches the body through tampons used for menstruation, skin infections, burns, surgical wounds, etc. It manifests as fever, diffuse skin lesions (diffuse macular erythroderma) and fever above 38.9ºC/102ºF. It is diagnosed through the medical history, a physical examination and occasionally with the detection of the bacterium in a blood culture. Treatment is based on antibiotics and maintenance of the vital signs, generally in an intensive care unit.
Bibliographic references
  1. J. García San Miguel, J.M. Miró. Enfermedades producidas por estafilococos. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2203:2210.
  2. Spaulding AR, Salgado-Pabón W, Kohler PL, et al. Staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigen exotoxins. Clin Microbiol Rev 2013; 26:422.
  3. Davis JP, Chesney PJ, Wand PJ, LaVenture M. Toxic-shock syndrome: epidemiologic features, recurrence, risk factors, and prevention. N Engl J Med 1980; 303:1429.
  4. Case definitions for infectious conditions under public health surveillance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Recomm Rep 1997; 46:1.
  5. Vivian H Chu. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. UpToDate, Sep 04, 2015.
  6. Franklin D. Lowy. Infecciones estafilocócicas. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 954:963.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Skin rash

    Fever / Feel very hot

    Rash on palms and soles

    Feeling generally unwell

    Low blood pressure

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Remove any foreign body that has been introduced into the body.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
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