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Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
09:03

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: September 5, 2013

Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus producing Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin in Trinidad & Tobago: a case

Patrick E Akpaka1, Stefan Monecke, William H Swanston

  • 1Microbiology/Pathology Unit, Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad. peakpaka@yahoo.co.uk.

Journal of Medical Case Reports
|April 22, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case report identifies the first instance of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in Trinidad and Tobago. This toxin-producing bacteria caused a fatal, severe infection in a young boy.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pathology

Background:

  • Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a toxin produced by certain Staphylococcus aureus strains, leading to severe tissue damage and difficult-to-treat infections.
  • This report details the first confirmed identification of PVL-producing methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in Trinidad and Tobago.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document and characterize a severe case of infection caused by PVL-positive MSSA in Trinidad and Tobago.
  • To highlight the clinical significance and potential rapid progression of infections caused by this pathogen.

Main Methods:

  • A case study of a 13-year-old boy with severe S. aureus infection was conducted.
  • Bacterial isolates were analyzed using microarray DNA analysis and spa typing.
  • Autopsy and histological examination were performed to assess organ involvement.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with severe symptoms including septic arthritis, necrotizing fasciitis, and septic shock, ultimately leading to death.
  • Laboratory analysis confirmed the S. aureus isolates were methicillin-susceptible and positive for Panton-Valentine leukocidin, belonging to clonal complex 8.
  • Autopsy revealed multi-organ failure, with histological evidence of lung, liver, kidney, and thymus involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Rapid identification of Panton-Valentine leukocidin in methicillin-sensitive S. aureus is critical for recognizing and managing severe infections.
  • Prompt clinical laboratory feedback is essential to address the potentially devastating outcomes associated with PVL-producing S. aureus.

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