toxic shock syndrome

noun

variants or less commonly toxic shock

: an acute disease that is characterized by fever, diarrhea, nausea, diffuse erythema, and shock, that is associated especially with the presence of a bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), and that occurs especially in menstruating females using tampons

Examples of toxic shock syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The resulting surgery led to toxic shock syndrome and allegedly brain damage. —Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 15 Dec. 2023

The vaccine works by stimulating the production of antibodies that would prevent the onset of toxic shock syndrome. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2024

Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. —Ayana Underwood, SELF, 24 Jan. 2024

Mike contracted toxic shock syndrome after the surgery and nearly died with a temperature of 107 degrees, major organ failure and losing 40 pounds. —Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 22 Dec. 2023

But others, notably Staphylococcus aureus, cause a range of diseases, from pus-producing boils, carbuncles, and abscesses to food poisoning, osteomyelitis, and toxic shock syndrome. —Mark Caldwell, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

The parents of a 14-year-old boy in Tennessee made the difficult decision to amputate their son's hands and feet in order to save his life, following a diagnosis of pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome that sent him into cardiac arrest. —Nikki Dobrin, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023

Staph bacteria can cause different types of infections including skin infections (the most common type), bacteremia, and toxic shock syndrome (TSS).2 Pseudomonas: A group of more than 25 types of bacteria that are associated with humans. —Korin Miller, Health, 2 Sep. 2023

Necrotizing fasciitis is a bacterial infection that causes tissue death and can lead to toxic shock syndrome. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 14 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

toxic shock syndrome

noun

: an acute and sometimes fatal disease that is characterized by fever, nausea, diarrhea, diffuse erythema, and shock, that is associated especially with the presence of a bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus (S. aureus), and that occurs especially in menstruating females using tampons

called also toxic shock