  Toxic Shock Syndrome  by Matthew E. Levison, MD  Toxic shock
syndrome is a group of rapidly progressive and severe symptoms
that include fever, rash, dangerously low blood pressure, and
failure of several organs. It is caused by toxins produced by
Staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococci.    • Using
superabsorbent tampons or having an infection caused by
Staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococci increases the risk
of this syndrome.    • The syndrome can be fatal, particularly
when caused by streptococci.    • Changing tampons frequently
and not using superabsorbent tampons can help reduce the risk of
the syndrome.    • Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and
preventing production of more toxin.  Toxic shock syndrome
results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus or group A
streptococci. It may occur when Staphylococcus aureus infects
tissue (for example, in a wound) or is simply growing on a
tampon (especially the superabsorbent type) in the vagina.
Exactly why superabsorbent tampons inc