DefinitionToxic shock syndrome is a severe disease that involves fever, shock, and problems with the function of several body organs.Alternative NamesStaphylococcal toxic shock syndromeCauses, incidence, and risk factorsToxic shock syndrome is caused by a toxin produced by certain types of Staphylococcus bacteria. A similar syndrome, called toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS), can be caused by Streptococcal bacteria.Although the earliest described cases of toxic shock syndrome involved women who were using tampons during their periods (menstruation), just slightly over half of current cases are associated with such events. Toxic shock syndrome can also occur in children, postmenopausal women, and men.Risk factors include:ChildbirthCurrent Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infectionForeign bod