Vaccine may prevent toxic shock syndrome

The world’s first vaccine against the lifethreatening toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has been developed by Austrian scientists, reports The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal.

The jab uses a deactivated form of the staphylococcus toxins which cause TSS.

The bacterium, which lives on our skin and mucous membranes, is harmless to most of us, but people with weakened immune systems — such as patients with liver diseases or those who are recovering from heart surgery — are at risk.

Women who use tampons are also at risk — 50 per cent of TSS cases relate to women on their menstrual cycle.

The toxin can damage tissue, including skin and organs, and can disturb many vital organ functions.