Detection of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 by a latex agglutination kit

A commercial reversed passive latex agglutination kit (Oxoid), that detects toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1), was evaluated for its ability to support the clinical diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) by detecting the presence of TSST-1 producing Staphylococcus aureus. 15/16 isolates from patients with TSS were positive, while 4/50 vaginal isolates from patients without TSS were positive. The kit can be recommended as it was easy to handle, and gave results identical with those obtained by a standard assay.