Severe Necrotizing Pneumonia Caused by Panton‑Valentine Leukocidin‑Producing Staphylococcus aureus in a Previously Healthy Adult

A previously healthy adult male presented with rapidly progressive pneumonia and systemic features of infection shortly after returning from travel abroad. Despite broad‑spectrum antimicrobial therapy and supportive measures, he deteriorated into respiratory failure requiring ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Imaging revealed cavitating lung nodules and necrosis. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)‑positive Staphylococcus aureus (PVL‑SA) was confirmed by PCR. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and targeted management of PVL‑SA, a virulent toxin‑producing strain associated with severe necrotizing pneumonia and systemic complications, especially in young, otherwise healthy individuals.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-10-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.94097
Primary Topic
Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Severe Necrotizing Pneumonia Caused by Panton‑Valentine Leukocidin‑Producing Staphylococcus aureus in a Previously Healthy Adult

Pallavi Bedi, Prabin Paudyal
Cureus
Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus
article

Severe Necrotizing Pneumonia Caused by Panton‑Valentine Leukocidin‑Producing Staphylococcus aureus in a Previously Healthy Adult

Pallavi Bedi, Prabin Paudyal
article en

Abstract

A previously healthy adult male presented with rapidly progressive pneumonia and systemic features of infection shortly after returning from travel abroad. Despite broad‑spectrum antimicrobial therapy and supportive measures, he deteriorated into respiratory failure requiring ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Imaging revealed cavitating lung nodules and necrosis. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)‑positive Staphylococcus aureus (PVL‑SA) was confirmed by PCR. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and targeted management of PVL‑SA, a virulent toxin‑producing strain associated with severe necrotizing pneumonia and systemic complications, especially in young, otherwise healthy individuals.

CureusVol. 17(10)
NHS Lanarkshire (GB), Hairmyres Hospital (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 67%
Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus
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