Toxic shock syndrome: characterization of human immune responses to TSST-1 and evidence for sensitivity thresholds.

Noninvasive vaginal infections by Staphylococcus aureus strains producing the superantigen TSST-1 can cause menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS). With the objective of exploring the basis for differential susceptibility to mTSS, the relative responsiveness to TSST-1 of healthy women has been investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors were incubated with purified TSST-1 or with the T-cell mitogen phytohemmaglutinin (PHA), and proliferation was measured.

Persistence survey of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 producing Staphylococcus aureus and serum antibodies to this superantigen in five groups of menstruating women.

Background: Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome (mTSS) is thought to be associated with the vaginal colonization with specific strains of Staphylococcus aureus TSST-1 in women who lack sufficient antibody titers to this toxin. There are no published studies that examine the seroconversion in women with various colonization patterns of this organism. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of Staphylococcus aureus colonization at three body sites (vagina, nares, and anus) and serum antibody to toxic shock syndrome toxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus among a small group of healthy, menstruating women evaluated previously in a larger study.

Structural and functional properties of antibodies to the superantigen TSST-1 and their relationship to menstrual toxic shock syndrome.

Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is an acute febrile disease accompanied by hypotension and multiple organ involvement. Infection with Staphylococcus aureus producing the superantigen toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) vaginally is necessary; however, only a small fraction of those infected with TSST-1 producing bacteria actually develop mTSS, suggesting that host factors modulate disease susceptibility. Serum antibodies to the toxin protect against development of the syndrome, but not all antibodies can neutralize the toxin.

Prevalence of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1-producing Staphylococcus aureus and the presence of antibodies to this superantigen in menstruating women.

Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is thought to be associated with colonization with toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1)-producing Staphylococcus aureus in women with insufficient antibody titers. mTSS has been associated with menstruation and tampon use, and although it is rare, the effects can be life threatening. It remains of interest because of the widespread use of tampons, reported to be about 70% of women in the United States, Canada, and much of Western Europe.

Effect of tampon composition on production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 by Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.

To determine whether tampons composed of cotton or rayon differ in their effects on production of TSST-1 in vitro, two methods of bacterial cultivation, with and without agitation, were used to study the effects of 16 commercially available and experimental tampons on production of TSST-1. Experiments were done in blinded fashion. TSST-1 was produced in medium alone in the absence of a tampon by both methods.