How common is PVL positive MRSA in adult emergency admissions? Findings of the first UK study

Abstract

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of healthcare associated infections, and is endemic in many hospitals. Since the early 1990s, new strains of MRSA have been recognised in patients with skin and soft tissue infections who have had no contact with healthcare facilities. These strains are known as community acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) to differentiate from the hospital acquired (HA-MRSA). Recently, there have been outbreaks of CA-MRSA in hospitals in the UK and German. Some strains of CA-MRSA have been found to produce Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL), a virulence factor associated with severe staphylococcal disease such as necrotizing pneumonia. Little is known about the carrier rate (prevalence) of PVL positive MRSA in emergency admissions to hospital, which may represent a hidden community reservoir.