Microbiology For COMLEX Level 1 Practice Test

Blood cultures in toxic shock syndrome due to Staphylococcus aureus are typically which?

Positive Variable Not performed Negative

Correct Answer:

Negative

Explanation:

The key idea is that toxic shock syndrome from Staphylococcus aureus is toxin-driven rather than a blood-stream bacterial infection. The illness results from circulating superantigen toxins (like TSST-1) produced at a local site (such as a wound or vaginal mucosa) that cause widespread immune activation and organ dysfunction. Because the actual bacteremia is uncommon, blood cultures often do not grow S. aureus, making negative results typical. In rare cases, bacteremia can occur and a culture could be positive, but that’s not the usual pattern.

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