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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Global distribution and evolution of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus
Jean-Philippe Rasigade1, Frederic Laurent, Gerard Lina
1Université Lyon 1, Centre National de Référence des Staphylocoques, and Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U851, Institut Fédératif de Recherche 128, Lyon, France. jean-philippe.rasigade@chu-lyon.fr
Background:
Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MSSA and MRSA, respectively) are both associated with severe infections, such as necrotizing pneumonia. The epidemiological profile of PVL-positive community-acquired (CA) MRSA has been extensively studied, but few corresponding data on PVL-positive MSSA are available.
Objectives:
The objectives of the study were to investigate the global population structure of PVL-positive MSSA, to compare it with that reported for CA-MRSA, and thus to examine the phylogenetic relationship between these pathogens.
Methods:
We determined the agr types, multilocus sequence types, and toxin gene profiles of 211 PVL-positive MSSA clinical isolates collected in 19 countries throughout the world between 1981 and 2007.
Results:
The predominant lineages of PVL-positive MSSA were agr3/ST30, agr4/ST121, agr3/ST1, agr2/ST5, and agr3/ST80. Except for agr4/ST121, these lineages are also reported to be prevalent among CA-MRSA. PVL-positive MSSA lineages that are genetically related to CA-MRSA have gradually replaced other lineages (especially agr4/ST121) over the past 2 decades. Within a given sequence type, the toxin gene content of PVL-positive MSSA strains was very similar to that of PVL-positive CA-MRSA.
Conclusions:
The molecular epidemiological profiles of PVL-positive MSSA and CA-MRSA are dynamically interrelated, with the former appearing to constitute a reservoir for the latter.
Insights
Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) shares molecular epidemiology with community-acquired MRSA. PVL-positive MSSA may act as a reservoir for MRSA strains, influencing severe S. aureus infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are linked to severe infections like necrotizing pneumonia.
- While the epidemiology of PVL-positive community-acquired (CA) MRSA is well-documented, data on PVL-positive MSSA remain scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global population structure of PVL-positive MSSA.
- To compare the population structure of PVL-positive MSSA with that of CA-MRSA.
- To elucidate the phylogenetic relationship between these two types of S. aureus.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of agr types, multilocus sequence types (MLST), and toxin gene profiles.
- Inclusion of 211 PVL-positive MSSA clinical isolates.
- Data collection spanning 1981 to 2007 from 19 countries worldwide.
Main Results:
- Predominant PVL-positive MSSA lineages identified: agr3/ST30, agr4/ST121, agr3/ST1, agr2/ST5, and agr3/ST80.
- Most identified MSSA lineages are also prevalent in CA-MRSA, with the exception of agr4/ST121.
- PVL-positive MSSA strains genetically related to CA-MRSA have increasingly replaced other lineages over the last two decades.
Conclusions:
- The molecular epidemiology of PVL-positive MSSA and CA-MRSA are interconnected.
- PVL-positive MSSA may serve as a reservoir for PVL-positive CA-MRSA.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for managing severe Staphylococcus aureus infections.
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