Word: toxins
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Researchers have known for several years that TSS is caused by a toxin produced by a common and usually harmless bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. In laboratory studies, the Harvard team, led by Infectious Disease Specialist Edward Kass, found that the bacterium produces up to 20 times as much toxin as usual in the presence of certain tampon fibers. Kass's group discovered that the fibers -- polyester foam and polyacrylate rayon -- soak up large amounts of magnesium, which is normally present in vaginal tissue and fluid. When the magnesium is removed from the bacterium's environment, the bug responds by churning...
...important clue to the magnesium factor came from Kass's earlier research on diphtheria, which is also caused by a bacterial toxin. He recalled that when deprived of iron, the diphtheria microbe produces excessive amounts of toxin. "You comb your mind for something you can get a hold on," he says, and the diphtheria-iron connection "leaped right out." Through a trial-and- error process, Kass and his team found that magnesium played a parallel role with Staph. aureus...
...magnesium link may help explain why toxic shock typically occurs on the fourth day of a woman's period, when the menstrual flow has diminished. During the previous days, the volume of fluid is greater, and, Kass believes, there is probably enough unabsorbed magnesium present to keep toxin production in check...
Though TSS is widely feared, relatively few people are vulnerable. Doctors estimate that by age 20, 95% of the U.S. population have been exposed to Staph. aureus toxin and have developed immunity. Of the remaining 5%, some may be genetically incapable of developing immunity. These women and men may actually suffer more than one bout of TSS, which can be treated with antibiotics...
...stands, ADL's toxin lab-cumkitchen ware will remain in use, following last week's court decision to allow the company to continue its research while it appeals Cambridge's earlier testing ban. Ironically, the appeal, and thus the research, could go on for months or years, effectively and irresponsibly ignoring the concerns and efforts of the Cambridge community to come to grips with the situation. ADL's determination to continue its research at all costs during the appeal period speaks revealingly of its behind-the-façade concerns...