Toxic Shock Syndrome

[toohardtothinkofaname]

I had TSS when 16 caused by bacterial infection when using tampons. I believe it's caused by strep b; does that mean I'm a carrier?

I'm pregnant & worried about passing on GBS during labour. Because TSS is so rare I'm scared it won't get picked up by professionals (I had to explain what it was to my GP once ). Should I make a huge note on my birthing plan or discuss with someone prior to birth?

You should ask your midwife for a swab although when I had it the doctor could only do it after it was requested by the midwife.

If it is confirmed they recommend antibiotics iv once your waters have broken.

TSS is usually caused by staph aureus and Broup A Streptococcus. I do not know of it being caused by Group B strep, though it is worth discussing with your own doctor who may (depending on your local IT systems and notes) be able to check which organism caused it in your own case.

It would be incredibly rare for TSS to have been caused by gp B strep - almost always staph, or strep pyrogenes. Discuss it prior to birth, but I'd be very surprised if it raised your baby's risk.

Talk to a midwife about it. You can be swabbed for strep during pregnancy (I was) and if its present they can take steps to protect the baby during birth.

I know little about TSS.

I don't know about TSS in minute detail but I'm pretty shocked a GP needed it explaining! Weren't all 11-year old girls scared witless by it being warned about during 'the tampax talk' at school, or was that just me!!?!

Sorry that you went through that OP, but congrats on your pregnancy and best wishes

As nocool and randomuser said, toxic shock is really not likely to be caused by Grp B Strep. It would have been Staph aureus, or less likely Grp A Strep (S pyogenes).

Grp B Strep can be a normal commensal of the vagina. Even if it was grown from a swab, it is not likely to have been pathogenic.

hey everyone,

thank you, your posts (and knowledge!) have made me feel more at ease. I was 15 when I got TSS and noone explained to me what causes it, what your body went through and any effects. Only knew what you read on the leaflets. As I was quite young they did this to my mum who has unfortunately forgotten! She's also a drama queen so I'd be worried she'd scare me more... So it's been a lot of Googling and therefore worrying.

I'll be sure to mention any worries to my mw and trust her judgement. I've put a note on my birthing notes too because you are more susceptible to septicemia after operations so if they notice that and there's anything they need to do I'm sure they'll pick it up.

Bubsandmoo yeah! I explained I had TSS and she asked what that stood for and how I came to get it. Bizarre