Case Report: Fulminant shock due to PVL-positive Staphylococcus aureus in an adolescent—superantigen-negative sepsis with toxic shock-like features

PVL-positive <i>S. aureus</i> can, albeit rarely, be associated with an extreme toxic shock-like phenotype even when classical toxin genes are not detected. This case highlights the diagnostic and management challenges posed by atypical presentations and mixed shock physiology, and underscores the need for early recognition and rapid escalation of supportive care.