Which Staphylococcus species is most often recovered from cases of toxic shock syndrome?

Staphylococcus aureus is the species most commonly associated with toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This is due to its ability to produce toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), which acts as a superantigen, triggering a massive immune response that can lead to the life-threatening symptoms characteristic of TSS. The association of S. aureus with TSS is well documented, particularly in certain risk groups, such as menstruating women using tampons, but it can also occur in other circumstances, such as following surgical procedures or skin infections.

The other Staphylococcus species mentioned do not have the same pathogenic potential in relation to toxic shock syndrome. For instance, S. saprophyticus is primarily associated with urinary tract infections, S. epidermidis is considered a part of the normal skin flora and is more commonly linked to infections related to indwelling medical devices, and S. hominis is part of the normal skin microbiota but has not been implicated in TSS. Thus, the distinct pathogenicity of S. aureus is the reason it is the most frequently recovered species in cases of toxic shock syndrome.