In typical T-cell recognition, an antigen is taken up by an antigen-presenting cell, processed, expressed on the cell surface in complex with class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in a groove formed by the alpha and beta chains of class II MHC, and recognized by an antigen-specific T-cell receptor. This results in polyclonal T-cell activation. Superantigens do not require processing by antigen-presenting cells but instead, interact directly with the invariant region of the class II MHC molecule. In patients with TSS, up to 20% of the bodys T-cells can be activated at one time. This polyclonal T-cell population causes a cytokine storm, followed by a multisystem disease. Risk factors
A few possible causes of toxic shock syndrome are:
Cuts or open wounds on the skin
Surgical wounds
Viral infections (e.g.
"A rise in reported cases occurred in the early 2000s: eight deaths from the syndrome in California in 2002 after three successive years of four deaths per year, and Schlieverts study found cases in part of Minnesota more than tripled from 2000 to 2003. Schlievert considers earlier onset of menstruation to be a cause of the rise; others, such as Philip M. Tierno and Bruce A. Hanna, blame new high-absorbency tampons introduced in 1999 and manufacturers discontinuing warnings not to leave tampons in overnight.TSS is more common during the winter and spring and occurs most often in the young and old.Toxic shock syndrome is commonly known to be an issue for females who menstruate. TSS although can occur in people of all ages and genders. Around fifty percent of Toxic Shock Syndrome cases are in non menstruating cases. TSS in these cases can be caused by skin wounds, surgical sites, nasal packing, and burns. History
Initial description
The term "toxic shock syndrome" was first used in 1978 by a Denver pediatrician, James K. Todd, to describe the staphylococcal illness in three boys and four girls aged 8–17 years. Even though S. aureus was isolated from mucosal sites in the patients, bacteria could not be isolated from the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine, raising suspicion that a toxin was involved.