[Necrotizing community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia]

Abstract

Acute necrotizing pneumonia due to Panton-Valentine secreting Staphylococcus aureus was identified as a clinical entity by Gilet et al., in 2002. This severe acute necrotizing pneumonia occurring in previously healthy children and adolescents can lead to a rapid fatal outcome even if quickly diagnosed and treated. We report the case of a healthy 10-year-old girl presenting with hemorrhagic necrotizing pneumonia and septic shock. Bacteriological cultures yielded methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. The course of the disease was characterized by recurrent uncontrolled hemoptysia leading to refractory hypoxemia. The details of the hospital stay are presented. We discuss the clinical features of the disease and describe recent epidemiologic data and Panton-Valentine toxin research results as well as primary hospital care and treatment.