Import and Spread of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin–Positive Staphylococcus aureus Through Nasal Carriage and Skin Infections in Travelers Returning From the Tropics and Subtropics

Abstract

Geographic variation in the risk of SSTIs in travelers supports a globally heterogeneous distribution of virulent S. aureus. Complicated SSTIs in returnees from nontemperate climates are associated with PVL(+) S. aureus and promote the emergence and spread of virulent and antibiotic-resistant strains. We propose a network for the surveillance of imported S. aureus (www.staphtrav.eu).