The spectrum of toxic shock syndrome.

The toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a newly-recognized entity caused by a Staphylococcal exotoxin and associated with the use of tampons for menstrual protection. Two cases are presented which demonstrate the spectrum of severity of the disease. The common nature of its early symptoms necessitates a high index of suspicion to preclude a progression to the later stages of the disease, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.