PVL-Positive S. aureus in Recurrent Furunculosis Belongs to agr Group IV

What is it about?

Recurrent furunculosis is a painful and difficult-to-treat skin condition most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we examined strains isolated from 44 patients with recurrent furunculosis to identify their toxin genes, agr regulatory groups, antibiotic resistance patterns and relationship with nasal carriage. Most isolates carried the genes encoding Panton–Valentine leukocidin, a toxin associated with severe skin and soft-tissue infections. Almost all strains belonged to agr group IV, including every PVL-positive isolate. The seb enterotoxin gene was also detected in some strains, while all isolates remained susceptible to methicillin. Nasal carriage of S. aureus was significantly more frequent among patients with recurrent furunculosis than among healthy controls. In individual patients, strains isolated from the nose and furuncles shared the same PVL status and agr group, suggesting that the nasal cavity may act as a reservoir for recurrent infection.

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Why is it important?

Our findings reveal a strong association between recurrent furunculosis, PVL-positive S. aureus and agr group IV. This distinctive virulence profile may contribute to the persistence and recurrence of painful skin infections. The high rate of nasal carriage also highlights the importance of examining both infection sites and potential bacterial reservoirs. Identifying colonisation may support more targeted treatment and prevention strategies.

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