Panton–Valentine leukocidin-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Germany associated with travel or foreign family origin

Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Returning Travelers

“…Personal hygiene was certainly an issue in many patients, leading to recurrent infections. Insect bites have been reported to serve as portal of entry in 5 of 9 cases, 3 but were less frequently noted in our study. However, a point of entry is often not obvious.…”

“…1 In recent years, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus have begun to emerge in returning travelers. [2][3][4] The PVL is a cytotoxin causing leukocyte destruction and tissue necrosis. 5 Staphylococcus aureus strains, which produce PVL, can cause multiple recurrent skin infections and necrotizing pneumonia.…”

“…Most often, skin and soft tissue infections were noted. [2][3][4] However, a case of fatal necrotizing pneumonia after a stay in Africa has also been described. 11 Why travelers to foreign countries may be at risk of acquiring PVL-associated staphylococcal infections is not clear.…”

“…Two previous studies have shown a large proportion of PVL-positive MRSA strains found in non-Irish and non-German ethnic origin individuals, possibly mirroring import to Ireland and Germany, respectively. 3,13 In returning travelers, PVL-positive MRSA strains have been described in 2 out of 13 cases, 2 and 9 patients. 3 In our study, 3 of the 15 strains were methicillin resistant.…”

“…3,13 In returning travelers, PVL-positive MRSA strains have been described in 2 out of 13 cases, 2 and 9 patients. 3 In our study, 3 of the 15 strains were methicillin resistant. The polyclonal nature of PVL-positive MRSA strains was demonstrated in a small region of Germany and some cases were linked to international travel recently.…”