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Effect of tampon wraps on production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1

R N Robbins1, B J Kelly, G L Hehl

  • 1Department of Food Microbiology and Toxicology, University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Tampon wraps can affect toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) levels. Some wraps reduced TSST-1 availability, particularly those with starch binders or the surfactant Standamul 1414-E.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a severe illness associated with Staphylococcus aureus infections.
  • Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 (TSST-1) is a key exotoxin implicated in TSS pathogenesis.
  • Tampons are commonly used menstrual products, and their materials may influence bacterial toxin production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how different tampon wraps influence the production and distribution of TSST-1.
  • To identify specific tampon wrap components that may reduce TSST-1 availability.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a disk-membrane-agar diffusion assay to quantify TSST-1.
  • Inoculated agar plates with a TSST-1-producing Staphylococcus aureus strain.
  • Placed tampon core materials with and without various wraps onto inoculated membranes, incubated under controlled conditions (37°C, 5% CO2).
  • Measured TSST-1 levels in the agar layer as an indicator of toxin availability.

Main Results:

  • Five wraps increased TSST-1 levels in the agar, while two wraps decreased them.
  • One wrap containing a starch binder and another with the surfactant Standamul 1414-E showed reduced TSST-1 levels.
  • Standamul 1414-E is a known inhibitor of S. aureus growth and TSST-1 production.

Conclusions:

  • Tampon wrap composition can significantly impact TSST-1 availability.
  • Certain wrap materials, like those with starch binders or specific surfactants (e.g., Standamul 1414-E), may mitigate TSST-1 levels.
  • Further research into tampon material interactions with bacterial toxins is warranted to enhance product safety.

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