What is pvl?

PVL stands for Panton-Valentine Leukocidin. It's a powerful toxin produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These S. aureus strains are often referred to as PVL-positive Staphylococcus aureus.

PVL is a pore-forming toxin. This means it creates pores or holes in the membranes of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and macrophages. This leads to cell lysis (cell death) and the release of inflammatory mediators.

Here's a breakdown of important aspects:

• The Toxin: PVL is composed of two proteins, LukS-PV and LukF-PV. They work together to create the pores.
• Staphylococcus aureus: While many S. aureus strains don't produce PVL, the ones that do can cause more severe infections.
• Cell Damage: The primary targets are neutrophils and macrophages, key components of the immune system.
• Associated Infections: PVL-producing S. aureus is commonly associated with skin and soft tissue infections, such as boils and abscesses. Necrotizing pneumonia, a severe and rapidly progressing lung infection, is another, though less common, but more serious manifestation.
• Community-Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA): PVL is frequently found in CA-MRSA strains.

Here are some subjects as links:

• Panton-Valentine Leukocidin
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Necrotizing pneumonia
• Community-Acquired MRSA