Panton-Valentine Leukocidin and Staphyloccoccal Skin Infections in Schoolchildren

Abstract

The Panton-Valentine leukocidin is associated with staphylococcal skin and pulmonary infections. We describe a school outbreak of skin infections and the public health response to it. Nasal carriage of a Panton-Valentine leukocidin–positive Staphylococcus aureus clone was detected only in previously ill classmates and their family members.

Keywords

• Chlorhexidine
• furunculosis
• handwashing
• Mupirocin
• skin
• Staphylococcus aureus