The Role of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin in Staphylococcus aureus Musculoskeletal Infections in Children

Ritz N et al. – This review summarizes the current evidence on the influence of Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) on musculoskeletal infections caused by S. aureus in children and highlights areas of uncertainty relating to management.

• Infections caused by Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)–producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus have been reported with increasing frequency.
• However, the role of PVL in the pathogenesis of invasive staphylococcal infection is controversial.
• It is interesting to note that the role played by PVL may depend on the site of infection; although an association between PVL and severity has been reported in lung and bone infection, this is not the case for skin and soft tissue infection.
• A number of recent reports describe severe complications associated with PVL-producing strains in musculoskeletal infections.

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