What is the clinical significance of coagulase-negative staphylococci?
The clinical significance of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CNS) continues to increase as strategies in medical practice lead to more invasive procedures. Hospitalized patients that are immunocompromised and/or suffering from chronic diseases are the most vulnerable to infection.
Which Staphylococcus species is coagulase-negative?
S. epidermidis is the most prevalent species, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all coagulase-negative Staphylococci on the skin. Coagulase-negative staphylococci are frequently associated with nosocomial infections, 41% of the time when bacteremia is present, and of these many are line infections (74).
Is coagulase-negative staph aerobic or anaerobic?
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are aerobic, Gram-positive coccus, occurring in clusters. Predominantly found on the skin and mucous membranes.
Is COAG negative staph a contaminant?
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are frequent contaminants of blood cultures.
What is the clinical significance of coagulase production?
Coagulase is a protein enzyme produced by several microorganisms that enables the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. In the laboratory, it is used to distinguish between different types of Staphylococcus isolates.
How do you identify coagulase negative staphylococci?
Coagulase-negative staphylococci generally are not fully identified, are called Staphylococcus epidermidis, and are considered contaminants when isolated from blood cultures. In a cancer hospital during 6 months, 46 patients had multiple blood cultures (mean, 3.1) which yielded coagulase-negative staphylococci.
Is coagulase negative staph a contaminant?
Is novobiocin still used?
Clinical use The oral form of the drug has since been withdrawn from the market due to lack of efficacy. Novobiocin is an effective antistaphylococcal agent used in the treatment of MRSA.