
%0 Journal Article
%A Murray, Ronan 
%T Community MRSA and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL): the perfect storm, or a storm in a tea-cup?
%J Microbiology Australia
%D 2008/09/01
%V 29
%N 3
%P 143-144
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/MA08143
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MA08143 
%X Staphylococcus aureus is well known for its propensity to encode and express a formidable range of virulence determinants that can cause considerable morbidity and mortality in its host. Amongst these determinants is Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), a cytolytic exotoxin first described in the late 19th century. This toxin is found in many S. aureus clones; however, of particular concern is the fact that community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) clones that contain the PVL determinant have been associated with severe necrotising cutaneous and pulmonary infections in previously well individuals. These reports raise the spectre of a true ‘superbug’ – one that is readily transmissible, resistant to front-line antimicrobial agents, and potentially more virulent that other S. aureus strains. Specific therapeutic approaches directed towards the expression and/or activity of PVL, or the elimination of carriage and transmission of S. aureus that contains PVL determinants, are being considered; however, the effectiveness of such approaches has yet to be determined. 
