Patent ID: 6548552
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A tampon having additives that reduce toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1) production without adversely affecting a wearer's vaginal flora, said tampon comprising: a combination of an effective amount of beta-mercaptoethanol and an effective amount of at least one surface active agent applied to: the surface of the absorbent tampon materials; the surfaces of the fibers comprising the tampon; the tampon applicator; or any combination of the foregoing, said effective amounts of said beta-mercaptoethanol and said surface active agent being sufficient to reduce the TSST-1 production of an S. aureus isolate by at least 50% in in vitro testing, and wherein said surface active agent is selected from the group consisting of: glycerol, polysorbate 40; polysorbate 60; polysorbate 80; PPG-5-laureth-5; PPG-8-stearate; polyethylene glycol; and polypropylene glycol.