Not much is understood about toxic shock syndrome (TSS), although cases have been linked to wound infections and the use of super absorbent tampons, contraceptive diaphragms and vaginal sponges.
The bacteria involved in TSS - Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes - can be found on the skin and in the nose of approximately 20-30% of all people. They usually cause no serious problems.
Most people have toxin-fighting proteins known as antibodies, which can protect the body against these toxins. However, for reasons that are unknown, a small percentage of people do not develop these specific antibodies.
What is known is that the bacteria can enter the body through a wound, burn, the throat or the vagina. They release toxins into the bloodstream, and these toxins interfere with the processes that regulate blood pressure, causing it to drop to a dangerously low level. The bacteria also attack tissues, including the skin, muscles and organs.
Kidneys are particularly vulnerable to the toxins as they filter waste products from your blood. Kidney failure is a common complication in untreated TSS.
Tampons
The role of tampons remains unexplained. One theory is that if a tampon is left in your vagina for some time, as is often the case with the more absorbent types of tampons, it can become a breeding ground for the bacteria.
Another theory is that the fibres of the tampon may scratch your vagina, allowing the bacteria or the toxins to enter the blood.
No evidence has been found to support either theory.
