TSS is an abbreviation for Toxic Shock Syndrome, which stands for toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is a serious and life-threatening disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection, with rapid onset and progression. Heart failure, kidney failure, and even shock can threaten the patient’s life. Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus can produce and release an exotoxin called toxic shock syndrome toxin-1, which is very toxic and is the main culprit of toxic shock syndrome.