Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

Paul G. Auwaerter, M.D., Joel N. Blankson, M.D., Ph.D.

PATHOGENS

Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA or MRSA)
- Toxic shock toxin (TSS) occurs in ~1% of S. aureus strains.
- S. aureus produces the enterotoxins TSST-1, SEB and SEC. These toxins are superantigens capable of activating up to 25% of T cells.

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