Infective endocarditis due to community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in injection drug users may be associated with Panton-Valentine leukocidin-negative strains

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) isolates that cause infective endocarditis in injection drug users (IDUs) are distinct from CA-MRSA strains that cause endocardial infection as a complication of skin and soft tissue infections. We present a case of CA-MRSA infective endocarditis, review pertinent cases previously published, and describe the molecular characteristics of strains from IDUs and patients with skin and soft tissue infections.