Warning

Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) is a toxin produced by 4.9% of S. aureus from boils/abscesses. This bacteria can rarely cause severe invasive infections in healthy people; if found suppression therapy should be given. Send swabs if recurrent boils/abscesses. At risk: close contact in communities or sport; poor hygiene.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 22/03/2021

Next review date: 22/03/2024

Author(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee, Dr Dundas, Dr Hylands, S McCormick.

Approved By: AMC; ADTC

Reviewer name(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee.