toxic shock syndrome

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a rapidly developing, sometimes fatal infection characterized by sudden onset of fever, gastrointestinal upsets, a sunburnlike rash, and a drop in blood pressure: caused by a Staphylococcus aureus toxin and occurring especially in menstruating women using high-absorbency tampons. TSS

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toxic shock syndrome British  

noun

1. a potentially fatal condition, characterized by fever, stomachache, a painful rash, and a drop in blood pressure, that is caused by staphylococcal blood poisoning. In women it is most commonly caused by a retained tampon during menstruation

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toxic shock syndrome Scientific  

/ tŏk′sĭk /

1. An acute infection characterized by high fever, a sunburnlike rash, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed in severe cases by shock, that is caused by a toxin-producing strain of the common bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It occurs chiefly among menstruating women who use tampons.

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Etymology

Origin of toxic shock syndrome

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

In the 1970s, tampons were made so absorbent that they were effective in preventing leaks but created bacterial environments that caused toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal infection.

From Salon

Two of the most severe but rare forms of iGAS are necrotising fasciitis, also known as the "flesh-eating disease", and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome which can cause low blood pressure and damage to organs.

From BBC

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: Illness begins with fever and chills, aches, nausea and vomiting.

From Los Angeles Times

She said she was told Skyla was suffering from toxic shock syndrome.

From BBC

It is practice lap No. 1, exactly two years since the day that an ambulance rushed the gymnast to Indianapolis with a rare, nearly fatal - and still mysterious - case of toxic shock syndrome.

From Washington Times