[Frequency of toxic-shock-syndrome-toxin producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus in the Basel region]

An attempt was made to explain the fact that toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is far less often observed among Swiss women than in the USA. To this end, 353 patients were examined for vaginal infection with Staphylococcus aureus, and 131 strains of Staphylococcus aureus of various origins tested for the formation of "toxic shock syndrome toxin one" (TSST-1). In addition, the patients were questioned about the use of tampons for menstrual hygiene. Taking all age groups into consideration, 2.3% of the 353 patients, and 4.8% of those younger than 27 years, were Staphylococcus aureus carriers. 19.8% of the tested strains of Staphylococcus aureus produced TSST-1. Since these figures are comparable with the US statistics, they afford no explanation for the difference in the incidence of TSS. On the other hand, it seems very probable that the much less common use of tampons, especially the highly absorbent variety, could be responsible. It is also possible that TSS is less often recognized and reported in Switzerland.