Todd first described it in 1978 in 7 children, aged 8-17 years, with Staphylococcus aureus infection. However, TSS has been classically associated with tampon use in healthy menstruating women following an epidemic in 1981. The disease is now known to also exist in non-menstruating women, men and neonates. TSS has been linked to many bacterial infections including pneumonia, osteomyelitis, sinusitis, skin and gynecologic infections. Since then, there has been a persistent decline, largely because of a decrease in the use of superabsorbent tampons.
Mortality varies with the bacteriology involved.
Either sex can be affected. Diffuse rash, occasionally patchy and erythematous with desquamation approximately 1-2 weeks later. Initially appears on trunk, eventually spreading to arms and legs and involving palms and soles. An echocardiogram may show wall motion abnormality suggestive of toxic cardiomyopathy A CT scan should be performed if diagnosis is in question. Oxygen should be administered.