Staphylococcus spp - Coagulase negative

Gram Stain

•  Gram positive cocci in clusters (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

These organisms are part of the commensal skin flora and are considered low level pathogens.

They are associated with medical device related infections, endocarditis, wound infections (post-surgical), endophthalmitis, and rarely, urinary tract infections.

S. capitis causes late onset sepsis in preterm neonates.

Natural habitat:

S. auricularis - skin/ear
S. capitis - skin/scalp
S. caprae - skin
S. cohnii - feet
S. epidermidis - skin
S. haemolyticus - skin/sweat glands
S. hominis - skin/sweat glands
S. hyicus - animals

S. pettenkoferi - skin
S. petrasii - skin

S. sciuri - skin of animals and environmental organisms

S. simulans - animals
S. warneri - skin
S. xylosus - animals

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

Cloxacillin resistance is significant.

These organisms are typically susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin.  Susceptibility to clindamycin, tetracyclines, and TMP/SMX is variable. 

Vancomycin tolerance has been described in multiple species and resistance is found in some strains of S. haemolyticus.  Multi-resistant vancomycin non-susceptible strains of S. capitis have emerged worldwide as a cause of late onset sepsis in preterm infants, typically with prior exposure to vancomycin.

Decreased susceptibility to daptomycin has been reported in S. auricularis, S. warneri, S. capitis, and S. sciuri.