Panton-valentine leukocidin staphylococcus causing necrotising pneumonia in a young male

Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is among one of the many toxins associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection. It commonly causes recurrent skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), but can sometimes be associated with severe invasive infections, including necrotising haemorrhagic pneumonia in otherwise healthy young people. Here we report a case of young male patient who presented with community acquired pneumonia that very rapidly progressed to necrotising haemorrhagic pneumonia leading to septic shock with multi-organ failure. His chest imaging showed extensive right sided cavitatory pneumonia & his bronchial washings confirmed the presence of PVL positive Staph aureus. He was managed in Intensive care where he was resuscitated with organs support along with broad spectrum antibiotics. He later developed renal impairment needing renal replacement therapy. Patient gradually showed clinical signs of improvement after prolonged ICU admission. He was later stepped down to the Respiratory ward following improvement in clinical condition. Hence medical physicians need to know about Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) producing staphylococcus aureus as early detection and treatment can save lives of patients.