The role of Panton-Valentine leukocidin in Staphylococcus aureus musculoskeletal infections in children.

Infections caused by Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus have been reported with increasing frequency. However, the role of PVL in the pathogenesis of invasive staphylococcal infection is controversial. It is interesting to note that the role played by PVL may depend on the site of infection; although an association between PVL and severity has been reported in lung and bone infection, this is not the case for skin and soft tissue infection. A number of recent reports describe severe complications associated with PVL-producing strains in musculoskeletal infections. This review summarizes the current evidence on the influence of PVL on musculoskeletal infections caused by S. aureus in children and highlights areas of uncertainty relating to management.