Toxic shock syndrome is characterized by fever, shock and rash and may lead to multi-organ dysfunction and death. Toxic shock syndrome toxin type 1 (TSST-1) acts as a superantigen by binding both to MHC and T cell receptors leading to cell activation. Subsequent release of pro-inflammatory mediators may then initiate the pathophysiological changes leading to shock and organ failure.
Other toxins released by some strains of S. aureus cause scalded skin syndrome or food poisoning but these do not act as superantigens.
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