Open AccessIntroduction of surveillance of infections with Staphylococcus aureus containing the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin gene in the Netherlands
Author(s) -
Edine Tiemersma,
W J B Wannet,
Eline Op de Coul,
Albert J. de Neeling,
M J W van de Laar
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
deleted journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 9999-1233
DOI - 10.2807/esw.07.16.02206-en
Subject(s) - panton–valentine leukocidin , leukocidin , staphylococcus aureus , outbreak , microbiology and biotechnology , virology , toxin , medicine , biology , methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus , bacteria , genetics
The National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in the Netherlands has begun surveillance of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains with the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) gene in the Netherlands. This PVL gene is known to produce a potent toxin causing severe skin infections and necrotising pneumonia in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. About 60% of PVL positive isolates in the Netherlands belonged to ‘cluster 28’, which is an epidemic strain in the European mainland, but which has not yet caused large outbreaks in the Netherlands.