What is PVL Staphylococcus aureus ?
Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) is a toxic substance produced by some strains of Staphylococcus aureus which is associated with an increased ability to cause disease. The incidence is low at present but it is important healthcare professionals and the public are aware of the infections it can cause and the precautions which should be taken. PVL can be produced by both methicillin sensitive and methicillin resistant strains of S. aureus . Most of the PVL-positive S. aureus strains identified in the UK are sensitive to many antibiotics. How common is PVL S. aureus ? The PVL toxin is carried by less than 2% of S. aureus and can be carried by both MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) and MSSA (methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ). We are aware of isolated cases in the community across the United Kingdom (UK). Microbiology laboratories across the UK are vigilant and have been requested to send any suspicious samples to the HPA for further analysis. What are the sym
