The Nation - News from Jan. 12, 1986

Discovery of a second bacterial toxin that causes toxic shock syndrome might help doctors diagnose the illness, a researcher says. Dr. Patrick M. Schlievert of the University of Minnesota said the second toxin, known as enterotoxin B, may account for up to 60% of toxic shock syndrome cases in non-menstrual patients. Until now, toxic shock syndrome had been associated only with a toxin called toxic shock syndrome toxin 1. It is believed responsible for all toxic shock cases found in menstruating women using tampons.