Staphylococcal infection

Staphylococci are widespread as commensals of humans and animals where they colonize the skin or mucous membranes. Firstly, Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a most unusual coagulase-negative staphylococcus found on the human skin. It can cause infections at many sites including superficial skin infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and breast abscess. Endocarditis caused by S. lugdunensis can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. Secondly, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, found among the normal skin flora, is commonly isolated from the axillae, perineum, and inguinal areas of humans and causes septicemia, peritonitis, otitis, and urinary tract infections. S. haemolyticus is notorious for its multidrug resistance and historically early acquisition of resistance to methicillin and glycopeptide antibiotics. Finally, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an important opportunistic pathogen of dogs and cats. S. pseudintermedius colonization is very uncommon in humans. It is rarely isolated from human dog-bite wounds. The infection has been associated with wide range of symptoms such as bacteremia, a brain abscess, and pneumonia.