The isolation pattern, species distribution and antibiotic susceptibility profile of coagulase negative Staphylococci: an emerging opportunistic pathogen.

Changdeo Aher

doi:10.7439/ijbar.v5i1.608

Abstract

Background: Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), once considered as non-pathogenic commensal of skin and mucus membrane have emerged as important cause of health care associated infections (HCAI). Objective: The present study was conducted with an aim to study isolation pattern, species distribution and antibiotic susceptibility profile of CoNS isolated from various clinical specimens. Method: A total of 385 CoNS isolated various clinical specimens were included in the study. Kloos and Schleifer scheme was used for speciation of the isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed on Mueller Hinton agar by Kirby –Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: S. epidermidis followed by S. haemolyticus and S. saprophyticus were the maximum isolated species of CoNS. Majority CoNS isolates were resistant to routinely used antibiotics. A total of 102 (29.3%) isolates were sensitive to methicillin. Conclusion: Isolation of CoNS can’t be overlooked as commensals nor dismissed as contaminants. S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus and S. saprophyticus are most common species of CoNS implicated in human infections and often demonstrate low sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics. Therefore species identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing appears to be mandatory for individual assessment as no particular pattern can be predicted in any intricate situation caused by CoNS.

Highlights

Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), once considered as non-pathogenic commensal of skin and mucus membrane have emerged as important cause of health care associated infections (HCAI). 1 It belongs to family Micrococcaceae and genus Staphylococcus
The distribution of CoNS in different clinical specimens is shown in Figure.[1] majority isolates were obtained from blood cultures (28%) followed by urine samples (21%)
S. saprophyticus was the common isolate in young women and S. epidermidis was common in patients with urinary catheters

Summary

Introduction

Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), once considered as non-pathogenic commensal of skin and mucus membrane have emerged as important cause of health care associated infections (HCAI). 1 It belongs to family Micrococcaceae and genus Staphylococcus. 1 It belongs to family Micrococcaceae and genus Staphylococcus They are gram positive, cluster forming cocci.[2]. Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), once considered as non-pathogenic commensal of skin and mucus membrane have emerged as important cause of health care associated infections (HCAI). Method: A total of 385 CoNS isolated various clinical specimens were included in the study. The antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed on Mueller Hinton agar by Kirby –Bauer disc diffusion method

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion