In vitro amplification of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 by intravaginal devices
Tierno, P.M.; Hanna, B.A.
Contraception 31(2): 185-194
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 3987281 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(85)90033-2Document Number: 411781
Super-absorbent tampons and an exotoxin of Staphylococcus aureus have been associated with the recent emergence of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). In the majority of cases, when a TSS strain of S. aureus was cultivated in the presence of various tampons and a contraceptive sponge, increased amounts of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) were observed to be produced into the blood medium by the bacterium. The amplification of toxin by these products adds support to the epidemiologic data in establishing the causal link between tampons and TSS.