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The toxins produced by staphylococci are also known as superantigens. A typical viral infection will trigger the activation of around 0.0001% of the body's natural killer cells (T cells), which is sufficient to destroy the virus. However, contracting bacteria that secrete superantigens leads to the activation of 5-20% of the body's T cells. Such a strong immune response will frequently result in illness, which usually involves fever and extreme nausea. Superantigens are also well-known for causing toxic symptoms, as in toxic shock syndrome. There's also some speculation as to regardless of whether superantigens can cause autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
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