Community acquired pneumonia due to Panton-Valentine leukocidin producing methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Greece.

Community acquired pneumonia due to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an uncommon but severe infection that affects predominantly young healthy subjects and confers a high mortality risk. Most community acquired MRSA isolates produce the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) which plays a major role in their pathogenecity. In Greece, an increasing percentage of community acquired Staphylococci are methicillin resistant. A single clone, SCCmec IV - ST80, has emerged as dominant, expanding in the community, infiltrating the hospital setting and replacing older clones. It is almost universally PVL positive but remain sensitive to many pertinent non b-lactam antibiotics. Review of eight case reports of community acquired MRSA PVL pneumonia in Greece display the dramatic morbidity and mortality associated with this infection and underline the need for early and appropriate antibiotic treatment as well as ICU support.