 |
|
COMMENTS AND OPINIONS
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin, Exfoliative Toxins, and Skin Infections
François Durupt, MD;
Luc Thomas, MD, PhD;
Jerome Etienne, MD, PhD
|
|
| Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings. |
|
|
|
We read with interest the article by Mertz et al1 concerning Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors associated with infected skin lesions. The main issue of this study was the significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) counts in skin lesions infected by exfoliative toxin (ET)-positive strains, in comparison with infections associated with Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive strains. The authors then hypothesized that exfoliative toxins could either eliminate WBCs or prevent their accumulation in skin lesions. In our opinion, these hypotheses are not supported by the current knowledge concerning skin infections and the mechanisms of action of staphylococcal toxins.
Exfoliative toxins (ETs) are responsible for staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and bullous impetigo. In a recent prospective study of 121 patients presenting with staphylococcal skin infections, we found that genes encoding ET type A and/or type B were harbored in 100% of cases of . . . [Full Text of this Article]
AUTHOR INFORMATION
RELATED ARTICLE
Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Factors Associated With Infected Skin Lesions: Influence on the Local Immune Response
Patricia M. Mertz, Tatiana C. P. Cardenas, Richard V. Snyder, Megan A. Kinney, Stephen C. Davis, and Lisa R. W. Plano
Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(10):1259-1263.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
RELATED LETTER
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin, Exfoliative Toxins, and Skin Infections—Reply
Lisa R. W. Plano, Stephen C. Davis, and Patricia M. Mertz
Arch Dermatol. 2008;144(8):1070.
EXTRACT
| FULL TEXT
|
