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Causes Of Toxic Shock Syndrome

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ABOUT THE PATHOGEN There are two common organisms found in the diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome, Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes (Cancer Institute, 2012). Staphylococcus aureus is a nonmotile, spherical, gram-positive bacterium that can be seen growing in clusters (Cowan, M., & Bunn, J., 2015). Streptococcus pyogenes is a nonmotile, spherical, Group A Streptococcus, gram-positive bacterium that can be seen growing in chains (Cowan, M., & Bunn, J., 2015).

VIRULENCE FACTORS Pathogenesis and virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus are as follows; hemolysins which break down red blood cells, exfoliative toxins that break down skin architecture, coagulase that coagulates plasma, hyaluronidase which digest hyaluronic acid, …show more content…

The individual may also experience chills, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and weakness, bright red coloring of the eyes, throat, and vagina, a rash that resembles sunburn. These symptoms can rapidly progress to severe hypotension and can even lead to multisystem dysfunction such as kidney and other organ failure (Clinic Staff, 2014). The incubation period for Toxic Shock Syndrome can range from anywhere between one day to ten days, on average. The incubation period for TSS developing from Staphylococcus aureus can differ from a few hours to days depending on the location and path of the infection (Massachusetts, 2006). The incubation period for Streptococcus pyogenes can be as short as 14 hours (Massachusetts, 2006). Toxic Shock Syndrome may have severe complications such as; shock, renal failure, or death (Clinic Staff, 2014). Toxic Shock Syndrome may have sequelae such as recurrent infections, late-onset rash, compromised renal function, cyanotic extremities, and prolonged neuromuscular abnormalities (Clinic Staff,

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