Concern as eight Irish people infected with virulent MRSA strain

A VIRULENT new strain of MRSA has been detected in Ireland.

MRSA strains carrying the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes were detected in eight Irish patients over the last two years two in 2003 and six last year.

PVL strains are responsible for the production of a toxic protein that leaves sufferers unable to fight infections, including fatal necrotising (flesh-eating) pneumonia. The superbug spreads through skin-to-skin contact, appearing as sores that initially look like insect bites.