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

Like all contraceptive methods on the market, the sponge isn’t perfect; its efficacy rate stalled around 89–91 percent and it carries a slight risk of toxic shock syndrome.

From Slate • Jan. 3, 2023

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 • Dec. 29, 2022

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has asked local clinicians to promptly report cases of Group A Streptococcus, including cases of necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2022

Necrotizing fasciitis, necrotizing pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are some of the infections caused by iGAS.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2022

We know now that menstrual toxic shock syndrome happens to about one per 100,000 women of reproductive age per year.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2019