[Staphylococcus aureus septicemia producing Panton-Valentine leukocidin. 3 cases]. / Septicémies a Staphylococcus aureus producteurs de leucocidine de Panton-Valentine.

BACKGROUND: A strong association has been observed between furuncles and Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus. CASE REPORTS: Within one year, we cared for three men at the Cayenne hospital who had Staphylococcus aureus septicemia with severe pleuropulmonary involvement originating from furuncular lesions. The Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from the skin lesions and from blood cultures produced Panton-Valentine leukocidin. CONCLUSION: These cases demonstrate the gravity of S. aureus septicemia in young patients with furunculosis. These cases are the first reported with severe S. aureus infections associated with Panton-Valentine leukocidin producing strains.