Turf Burn Outbreak: A Case Study

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Introduction – Turf Burn outbreak:- Two recent outbreaks of Golden Staph (S. aureus) have occured that appear unrelated, but were identified as being the same strain of CA-MRSA (Community-Acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Three rugby players presented with abscesses harbouring MRSA, and a Golden Staph pneumonia outbreak occured among several infants. The severity of some abscesses on the players (see Fig.1) were medically consistent with Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) producing strains. As these are also linked to necrotising pneumonia, neonatal staff asked us to look into wether they were dealing with a PVL-positive strain. Relevance of PVL toxin in treating current neonatal Golden Staph outbreak:- We can infer that the pneumonia presented a sudden onset in hitherto healthy infants (otherwise neonatal staff would have no reason to suspect PVL+ strains). …show more content…

If the infection is PVL-positive, conservative treatments for pediatric pneumonia (broad-spectrum antibiotic delivered through IV) won't be successful. In severe cases, pus might even have to be drained, to facilitate antibiotic exposure. Intensive care is almost certainly called for. If the infection doesn't produce PVL, necrosis is unlikely - in which case, treatment won't have to be altered, and infection should resolve in a few weeks. Clinical Significance of PVL-Positive MRSA Strains:- Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a toxin that attacks white blood cells (leukocytes). It's produced by some drug-resistant Golden Staphs ("PVL-positive

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