PVL-positive S. aureus bone and joint infection is severe and requires prolonged treatment. Local complications are more frequent and often need repeated surgical drainage.

Pus samples were prospectively collected from patients with Staphylococcus aureus skin infections and tested for Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). PVL was detected at concentrations that were toxic for rabbit skin in all specimens from patients infected with strains harbouring PVL genes.

No abstract