Staphylococcus aureus strains that produce Panton-Valentine leukocidin are known to cause community infections. We describe an outbreak of skin abscesses caused by Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (clonal complex 121) in a professional rugby team in France during July 2010-February 2011. Eight team members were carriers; 7 had skin abscesses.
Keywords: France; MSSA; Panton-Valentine leukocidin; Staphylococcus aureus; abscess; athletes; bacteria; bacterial infections; beta lactams; methicillin susceptible; outbreak; rugby; skin; sports; staphylococci; toxins.