PVL-associated Staphylococcus aureus
Although several other countries have encountered widespread problems with PVL-related disease, infections caused by PVL remain uncommon in the UK and, to date, most have been caused by bacteria which are sensitive to a range of antibiotics.
PVL has been seen in the UK since the 1950s and 60s but cases continue to be seen here only in small numbers. There is currently no UK-based evidence to suggest that children are more vulnerable than other groups to PVL-related infections or that these infections are acquired or spread through playgrounds.
The risk to the UK general public of becoming infected with PVL Staphylococcus aureus is small but the Agency is actively working alongside healthcare colleagues to raise awareness of this infection, as well as ensuring appropriate research continues to monitor trends in infection.
What's new
- 7 November 2008:
Guidance on the diagnosis and management of PVL-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections (PVL-SA) in England (PDF, 1.6 MB)
This guidance was prepared by a sub-group of the Steering Group on Healthcare Associated Infections at the request of the Department of Health and replaces the interim guidance drafted by the Health Protection Agency working group in 2006. The guidance is intended to provide easily accessible advice on the recognition, investigation and management of PVL-Staphylococcus aureus cases - 15 August 2008: Diagnosis and management of PVL-SA infections in England and Wales Health Protection Report Vol 2, No 33
