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Toxic shock syndrome associated with TSST-1 producing coagulase-negative staphylococci
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|November 1, 1986
Summary
Coagulase-negative staphylococci can cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS) by producing toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). This finding expands the understanding of TSS causation beyond coagulase-positive bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is predominantly associated with coagulase-positive staphylococci.
- Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) is the primary toxin implicated in most TSS cases.
Observation:
- A unique case of recurrent TSS was documented.
- In this recurrent case, only coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated from vaginal samples.
- These coagulase-negative staphylococci were confirmed to produce TSST-1.
Findings:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci, not just coagulase-positive strains, can be causative agents of TSS.
- The production of TSST-1 by coagulase-negative staphylococci is a key factor in these cases.
Implications:
- Clinical suspicion for TSS should include coagulase-negative staphylococci.
- Diagnostic protocols for TSS should incorporate TSST-1 assays for coagulase-negative staphylococci when coagulase-positive strains are absent.
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