Possible Host-Defense Mechanisms in Toxic Shock Syndrome

Abstract

Future research activity in toxic shock syndrome should provide further understanding of the ways different host-defense mechanisms are involved in toxic shock syndrome; such efforts must consider toxic shock syndrome as a toxin-mediated disease. Topics that require further research include Staphylococcus aureus acquisition in relation to toxic shock syndrome; bacterial colonization factors including bacterial adherence, vaginal mucosal alteration, secretory IgA, and indigenous flora; conditions that affect organism growth and toxin production including the presence of iron, the availability of calcium, potential defects in opsonization and neutrophil function, and potential defects in lymphocyte function; and the development of natural antibodies against a suspected toxin associated with toxic shock syndrome.