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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

[Epidemiology and clinical presentation of Panton-Valentin leukocidin positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus

N Cobos-Triguero1, C Pitart, F Marco

  • 1Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona.

Revista Espanola De Quimioterapia : Publicacion Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola De Quimioterapia
|June 19, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Eleven percent of MRSA strains are PVL-positive, primarily causing skin infections. These Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive MRSA infections are often severe, with frequent bacteremia and higher relapse rates observed in recent Spanish studies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-MRSA) presents a growing public health concern.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of PVL-MRSA is crucial for effective management.

Purpose:

  • This study aimed to review the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of PVL-MRSA infections.
  • To determine the prevalence and characteristics of PVL-MRSA strains within a specific hospital setting.

Summary:

  • A review of 37 PVL-MRSA cases from January 2007 to July 2009 revealed a prevalence of 11.2% among all MRSA isolates.
  • Skin and soft tissue infections were most common (36/37 cases), with 24% experiencing relapse.
  • PVL-MRSA strains were consistently associated with chromosomal cassette type IV and remained susceptible to key antibiotics, though vancomycin MICs were elevated in most cases.

Impact:

  • The findings indicate a significant proportion of MRSA isolates are PVL-positive, often leading to severe infections.
  • Contrary to previous studies, a higher incidence was observed in native-born Spanish patients, suggesting evolving epidemiological trends.
  • The study highlights the need for vigilant surveillance and tailored treatment strategies for PVL-MRSA infections.

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