Abstract

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) toxin 1 (TSST1) is produced by strains of Staphylococcus aureus associated with TSS. Purified TSST1 induces in rabbits a shock-like illness with many features similar to TSS in humans. These symptoms were also induced by TSST1-producing bacteria in diffusion chambers implanted in the rabbit uterus. Naturally occurring TSST1+ strains and a TSST1- strain harboring a pE194-derived plasmid carrying the cloned TSST1 determinant tst gave the same symptoms. TSST1- strains and a TSST1- strain carrying a pE194-tst plasmid with a deletion of the tst gene had no effect in rabbits. The results with the plasmid-carrying TSST1+ and TSST1- strains, which were isogenic apart from tst, show that the toxin is responsible for the illness in rabbits and suggest that it is a major factor in the pathogenesis of TSS.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.