Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria : +Case inclusion criteria: * Women between 13 and 30 years old inclusive * Clinical diagnosis of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome: "confirmed" or "probable" according to Center Disease Control (CDC) criteria: The 5 CDC clinical criteria for menstrual Staphylococcal Toxic Shock are: * a fever above 39°C, * arterial hypotension, * generalized scarlatiniform erythroderma * intense peeling of the palms or soles of the feet 7 to 14 days later, * and systemic manifestations (at least three): * Digestive: vomiting, diarrhea * Muscular: myalgia, increase in serum creatine phosphokinase * Hyperemia of the vaginal, oropharyngeal and conjunctival mucous membranes * Renal: hyperuricemia, hypercreatininemia, leukocyturia without urinary infection, * Hepatic: increase in transaminases * Hematological: thrombocytopenia (\< 100,000 platelets/mm3) * Neurological: apart from episodes of fever or hypotension such as disorientation or altered consciousness. In the presence of 4 criteria, the case is considered probable and 5 criteria as confirmed case. * Detection of S. aureus strain carrying Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST1) on vaginal samples. * Onset of symptoms ≤ 72 hours before the start of menstruation and ≥ 72 hours after the end of menstruation. * Use during the last 3 cycles of vaginal protection: tampon or menstrual cup. +Control inclusion criteria: * Women between 13 and 30 years old inclusive * Presence of menstruation * Use of intimate periodic protection, tampon or menstrual cup, during the last 3 periods * No history of toxic menstrual shock Exclusion Criteria: * Non-menstruating women * Women protected by law * Women (or relatives) who oppose the study