Toxic shock syndrome.

Preview Toxic shock syndrome is no longer a disease that affects only young, menstruating women. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome has been diagnosed with increasing frequency in children, men, and older women, and a streptococcal syndrome affecting both sexes and all age-groups has been identified. The variant presentations of these infections can make diagnosis difficult. Dr Strausbaugh describes the features of both the staphylococcal and the streptococcal forms of toxic shock syndrome and offers tips for rapid recognition.