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Pyoderma outbreak among kindergarten families: Association with a Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing S.

Rasmus Leistner1,2, Axel Kola1, Petra Gastmeier1

  • 1Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Plos One
|December 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

An international travel-associated Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-SA) strain caused a kindergarten skin infection outbreak. A decontamination protocol successfully controlled the spread of this methicillin-susceptible, cotrimoxazole-resistant bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-SA) is a virulent strain associated with severe infections.
  • Outbreaks in community settings like kindergartens require prompt investigation and control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate an outbreak of SSTI in a kindergarten setting.
  • To identify the transmission route of the causative pathogen.
  • To implement effective control measures to manage the outbreak.

Main Methods:

  • Nasal screening for PVL-SA and microbiological investigation, including whole genome sequencing (WGS).
  • Questionnaire-based analysis of epidemiological data to identify transmission patterns.
  • Implementation of a Staphylococcus aureus decontamination protocol and outbreak information dissemination.

Main Results:

  • PVL-SA was identified in individuals from 7 of 19 families, causing SSTI such as abscesses.
  • Whole genome sequencing revealed identical PVL-SA isolates, closely related to strains from a non-European country, suggesting international travel as the introduction source.
  • Direct contact was identified as the likely transmission route within the kindergarten.

Conclusions:

  • The introduction of a PVL-SA strain into the kindergarten was likely linked to international travel.
  • Direct contact facilitated the transmission of PVL-SA among families.
  • A Staphylococcus aureus decontamination protocol effectively controlled the outbreak.
Abstract

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