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Panton-valentine leukocidin enhances the severity of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Anne-Claude Crémieux1, Oana Dumitrescu, Gerard Lina

  • 1Département de médecine aigüe, Hôpital Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Garches, France.

Plos One
|September 26, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) contributes to severe staphylococcal osteomyelitis in rabbits. PVL-positive strains caused more persistent infections and bone damage than PVL-negative strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is increasing.
  • Severe invasive staphylococcal infections, including osteomyelitis, are rising in children.
  • The role of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) in staphylococcal infections is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PVL in experimental rabbit osteomyelitis.
  • To compare the pathogenicity of PVL-positive and PVL-negative CA-MRSA strains.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental rabbit osteomyelitis model using PVL-positive (LAC) and PVL-negative (LACDeltapvl) CA-MRSA strains.
  • Inoculation with low (8x10^5 CFU) and high (4x10^8 CFU) bacterial doses.
  • Assessment of infection frequency, bacterial load, serum CRP, bone deformation, and anti-PVL antibody titers.

Main Results:

  • PVL-positive strains caused more frequent and persistent bone infections, especially with low inocula.
  • High inocula of both strains led to persistent infection, but PVL-negative strains showed reduced bacterial counts and CRP levels over time.
  • PVL-positive strains were associated with significantly higher rates of bone deformation and muscle/joint involvement.

Conclusions:

  • PVL contributes to the persistence and local spread of staphylococcal osteomyelitis.
  • Findings align with the increased severity of human bone infections caused by PVL-positive S. aureus.
  • Potential therapeutic strategies targeting PVL may be beneficial.

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