Staphylococcus Epidermidis

Characteristics

Normal skin flora

Catalase positive (class characteristic)

Coagulase negative

Low virulence

Pathogenesis

Cell envelope factors facilitates attachment to plastic surfaces.

-> Important cause of infection in prosthetic implants

Laboratory identification

White, nonhemolytic colonies

(Also coagulase-negative, novobiocin-sensitive)

Therapy

Acquired drug resistence more common.

Mostly sensitive to vancomycin

First line: oxacillin/nafcillin

Second line: vancomycin

Prevention/immunity

No vaccine

No lasting immunity

Things to revise/add later:

Bibliography: LWW microbiology