[IgM antibodies to toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 in human sera and human immunoglobulins].

IgM antibodies against toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) in 1990 human sera and in 14 human immunoglobulin preparations were determined using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. High levels of IgM antibody titres could be found beginning with the third month of life within the first 5 years of age. They were also very common in the age group of 21 up to 25 years. In no case of IgM antibodies with titres higher than 1:251 symptoms could be observed as described for toxic shock syndrome. Of the human immunoglobulin preparations, Pentaglobin contained IgM antibodies against TSST-1 only. The results show that most of the infections with TSST-1 producing Staphylococcus aureus are of subclinical nature or are of less dramatic course than the commonly known toxic shock syndrome.