Patrick Schlievert News Today

In addition to its potential benefits for toxic shock syndrome, a probiotic approach may offer relief to individuals dealing with other staph infections.

The widespread, pathogenic microbe Staphylococcus aureus can colonize the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body, particularly the vagina and gastrointestinal tract.

Toxic shock syndrome is associated with a life-threatening reaction from the immune system. Probiotics may help prevent the disease before the cytokine cascade ever begins.

Bacteria and viruses have an obvious role in causing infectious diseases, but microbes have also been identified as the surprising cause of other illnesses, including cervical cancer (Human papilloma virus) and stomach ulcers (H. pylori bacteria).