Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing Staphylococcus aureus can cause severe necrotising pneumonia in previously healthy individuals. We report the case of a 17-year-old previously well adolescent who presented with a short prodrome of influenza-like symptoms and rapidly deteriorated into severe respiratory failure and septic shock. Despite early escalation of care, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, and intensive supportive management, the patient developed bilateral pneumothoraces, refractory hypoxaemia, and multiorgan dysfunction. Blood cultures and respiratory samples confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with subsequent confirmation of PVL production. This case demonstrates a rapidly progressive clinical course with severe complications and a fatal outcome despite intensive care management.
Hogsade et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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