[Spider bite or infection caused by Panton Valentine leucocidin-producing Staphylococcusaureus?].

INTRODUCTION

Spiders, especially those of the genus Loxoceles such as L. rufescens, endemic in Mediterranean regions, are frequently reported as causes of venom poisoning in humans in the south of France. The most common signs consist of cutaneous necrosis presenting initially as inflammatory cellulitis and progressing towards the emergence of a necrotic centre.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We report 4 cases, initially considered as spider bites due to their sudden occurrence and pain. Rigorous clinical examination coupled with collection of samples for laboratory analysis ultimately enabled the diagnosis to be corrected to one of suppurative skin infection caused by Staphylococcusaureus producing the cytotoxin Panton Valentine leucocidin.

DISCUSSION: These observations highlight the potential for confusion between spider bites and infections with PVL-producing S. aureus.