Periorbital Infections and Conjunctivitis Due to Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) Positive Staphylococcus Aureus in Children

Background: Colonisation with Panton-Valentine Leukocidin expressing strains of Staphylococcus aureus (PVL + SA) is characterised by recurrent skin and soft tissue infections. While periorbital and orbital infections are common in children and frequently caused by S. aureus the role of PVL + SA in recurrent eye infections has not been studied. This study aimed to detect and report frequency and recurrence of periorbital or orbital infections as additional symptoms of PVL + SA colonisation in children.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who were treated for PVL + SA skin and soft tissue infection in our in- and outpatient clinics in Berlin, Germany from January 2012 to January 2017. We identified cases with periorbital or orbital infections in the year prior to the first PVL + SA evidence. In these cases, we conducted follow-up interviews by phone to determine recurrence of symptoms after the completion of decolonisation procedures.

Results: Fifty pediatric patients (age range: one week to 17 years) were evaluated and treated for PVL + SA infections in the reported time period. 19 patients (38%) reported periorbital infection or conjunctivitis, with recurrent hordeola as the most frequent finding (n = 9; 18%). Reappearance of hordeola (n = 5) was associated with recurrence of skin and soft tissue infections and/or de novo detection of PVL + SA. No further hordeola or other eye infections occurred after successful decolonisation.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest a frequent involvement of periorbital skin in children with PVL + SA infections. Pediatric patients with recurrent periorbital infections might benefit from PVL + SA screening and consecutive decolonisation procedures.