Isolated from human samples. Commensal skin flora and sometimes mucosal flora. Not typically pathogenic, can be opportunistic in those with compromised immunity, typically within a hospital setting. Problems with catheters and surgical implants and biofilms. Often contaminates samples because it lives on skin so is easy to pick up inadvertently when taking samples. 1
- Staphylococcus = bunch of grape-like berries
- Epidermidis = of the epidermis, skin
Very hardy. Can grow by aerobic respiration or fermentation. Some strains do not ferment.
Produces urease, can use glucose, sucrose, lactose to form acid products. With lactose, produces gas. Cannot break down gelatin.
Cell walls have transferrin-binding protein to obtain iron from transferrin. A surface protein binds to transferrin and removes its iron.
Forms biofilms, made of sulfated polysaccharides, allowing other bacteria to join into biofilms, creating multiple layers. These biofilms reduce metabolic activity of bacteria held inside, making antibiotics largely ineffective. Occurs readily on catheters and medical prosthetics, dialysis and plastic implants. 2
S. epidermidis strains are usually resistant to antibiotics, especially those in the gut.
Found in acne-affected pores on the skin, where it goes from being non-pathogenic to pathogenic. But, can act in a friendly way and reduce inflammation and protect skin.
References
- 1.Otto M. Staphylococcus epidermidis–the “accidental” pathogen. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2009;7(8):555-567. doi:10.1038/nrmicro2182
- 2.Fey PD, Olson ME. Current concepts in biofilm formation ofStaphylococcus epidermidis. Future Microbiology. Published online June 2010:917-933. doi:10.2217/fmb.10.56
| Condition type | Bacteria |
|---|---|
| Affected systems | |
| Sexually Transmissible | |
| Genitourinary Incidence | |
| Age group affected |
Microbial information
| Anaerobe / Aerobe | Facultative anaerobe/aerobe |
|---|---|
| Gram stain | Gram-positive |
| Best tests to detect | |
| Pathogen of | Commensal of (Can naturally inhabit, but not necessarily as a healthy addition) |
|
| Optimal growth pH | |
| Conditions correlated with |
|
| Cellular adherence capacities | High |
| Found in healthy vaginas | No |
| Biofilm-forming capacities |
|
| Cellular Morphology |
|
| Microbe Motility | Non-motile |
| Colony Colour |
|
| Substances Produced | |
| Sexually Transmissible |
What are the symptoms of Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina?
- No symptoms found for Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina, yet.
What causes Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina?
- No causes found for Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina, yet.
What are the risk factors associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina?
- No risk factors for Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina, yet.
How do you diagnose Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina?
- No diagnoses found for Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina, yet.
How do you treat Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina?
Treatments for Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina are only for practitioners and people who purchased the book Killing BV and Killing BV for men.
Which treatments are likely to be ineffective for Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina?
- No resistances found for Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina, yet.
What complications are associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina?
- No complications found for Staphylococcus epidermidis in the vagina, yet.