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Review
. 2021 Jul 17;47(1):158.
doi: 10.1186/s13052-021-01105-5.

Panton-valentine leukocidin Staphylococcus aureus severe infection in an infant: a case report and a review of the literature

Massimo Luca Castellazzi  1 , Samantha Bosis  2 , Irene Borzani  3 , Claudia Tagliabue  4 , Raffaella Pinzani  4 , Paola Marchisio  4   5 , Giada Maria di Pietro  6
Affiliations
Review

Panton-valentine leukocidin Staphylococcus aureus severe infection in an infant: a case report and a review of the literature

Massimo Luca Castellazzi et al. Ital J Pediatr. .

Abstract

Background: Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is one of the major virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) that might be associated with invasive life-threating infections. A prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential in achieving the best outcome and avoiding serious sequelae. We describe a case of severe invasive PVL-SA infection in an infant. A literature review starting from 2010 was also performed in order to discuss clinical presentations, radiological findings, treatment and outcome.

Case presentation: This is a case of a 6-month-old boy who rapidly developed high fever and poor general condition. He was diagnosed as having multiple muscular abscesses, multiple foci of osteomyelitis and bloodstream infections caused by Panton-Valentine leukocidin Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. He received intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage of the abscess with progressive recovery.

Conclusion: Our report highlights the importance of improving awareness of this severe infection, as a prompt diagnosis and adequate manage is essential in order to save life and to prevent serious complications.

Keywords: Children; Infection; Panton-valentine leukocidin; Staphylococcus aureus.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a-CT and b-Axial T1W-MR image showed scattered lung nodules consisntent with septic emboli. c-Axial T1W-FS MR image with contrast medium showed a huge muscular abscess around the left shoulder (arrowhead). d- Coronal STIR MR image demonstrated diffuse hyperintense signal of the muscles and the subcutaneous fat throughout the entire body and signal alteration of the right femoral neck associated with right hip effusion (arrow) consistent with osteoarthritis
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a-axial and b-coronal STIR MR images performed about 1 month later showed complete resolution of muscular involvement and improvement of lungs and bone flogistic involvement
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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