How common is PVL S. aureus?
The PVL toxin is carried by less than two per cent of S. aureus and can be carried by both MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) and MSSA (methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ). We are aware of isolated cases in the community across the United Kingdom (UK). Microbiology laboratories across the UK are vigilant and have been requested to send any suspicious samples to the HPA for further analysis.
