Knowledge of Panton–Valentine leukocidin–associated Staphylococcus aureus infections among paediatric registrars in England

1 2 PVL gene carriage is relatively uncommon in the UK, 3 but the association of PVL-producing Staphylococcus aureus (PVL+S aureus) with severe disease led the UK Health Protection Agency to publish guidance on the recognition and management of PVL+S aureus infection. 4 We surveyed paediatric registrars to assess knowledge of this organism and the published guidance. The Health Protection Agency guidance advises supportive care of patients with PVL+S aureus necrotising pneumonia with early referral to intensive care. [beta]-Lactam antibiotics are not recommended owing to concerns that they may increase toxin production at suboptimal tissue concentrations, whereas antibiotics that inhibit toxin production, such as clindamycin and linezolid, are recommended.