Childhood pustular psoriasis associated with Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus

We report the association of a generalized pustular psoriasis and infection by Staphylococcus aureus which produced Panton-Valentine leukocidin in a 5-year-old child. Another S. aureus strain with the same toxin gene content was also isolated among three family members presenting with cutaneous lesions. Although a methicillin-resistant staphylococcal strain has been reported in association with pustular psoriasis, this is the first report of a Panton-Valentine leukocidin strain associated with generalized pustular psoriasis. The causal relationship between S. aureus produced Panton-Valentine leukocidin and skin lesions is discussed.