Clinical use
Identification of PVL producing strains of S. aureus. These may be methicillin sensitive (MSSA) methicillin resistant (MRSA).
Background
Panton-valentine Leukocidin (PVL) is a toxin that destroys white blood cells and is a virulence factor in some strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Strains of PVL-SA producing a new pattern of disease have emerged in the UK and worldwide. In the UK the genes encoding for PVL are carried by < 2% of clinical isolates of S. aureus submitted to the National Reference Laboratory, whether methicillin sensitive (MSSA) or methicillin resistant (MRSA).
Specimen requirements
Samples to be sent for investigation of PVL producing S. aureus should be collected in line with specific collection instructions according to sample type.
Turnaround time
Following identification in Microbiology, James Cook University Hospital the isolate is referred to the reference laboratory.
See individual specimen pages for internal culture turnaround times.
Referral lab turnaround time: 1-6 days
Analysing laboratory
UKHSA Colindale Bacteriology: AMRHAI (antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections), UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ