Tampon Toxic Shock Syndrome
Tampon toxic shock syndrome is due to the presence of germs called Staphylococcus aureus in a hyper absorbent tampon (which provides an ideal breeding ground). These bacteria produce a chemical toxin which causes the syndrome: high fever, a rash, confusion, diarrhoea and low blood pressure. The toxin is called TSS-1, and can be produced by Staphylococci which have managed to breach the body's defences at any site, not just via an infected tampon (it was first described in a baby). Most people are immune to the toxin, which is why few are affected. The longer a tampon is left undisturbed, the more likely it is to be infected.
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