Staphylococcus Albus / Staphylococcus Epidermidis
Staphylococcus albus / Staphylococcus epidermidis
- gram-positive, coagulase-negative cocci that is a part of the skin’s normal flora
- resident bacteria usually present on human skin that can cause opportunistic infections
- occur singly, in pairs, or in short chains and have a strong tendency to form clusters
- grow rapidly on blood agar and other laboratory media; not hemolytic on blood-agar plates
- on solid culture, the bacterial colonies are often white or cream colored
- associated with indwelling catheters and immunocompromised persons
- generally resistant to multiple antibiotics; an essential cause of serious nosocomial infections among patients
Symptomatology
- Blood stream infection
- Endocarditis
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection
- Peritoneal dialysis catheter infection
- Urinary tract infections, especially with indwelling urinary catheters resulting to urinary tract complications
- Prosthetic joints infections
- Infection of vascular grafts
- Infection among newborns
- Eye infection after an eye surgery
- Infection of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
- Infection of breast implants
Medical Management:
- highly resistant to most antibiotics
- drug of choice is vancomycin or rifampin
- newer dugs: gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin
- removal of implanted device
Photo credits: www.rosacea-control.com
Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
