STAPHYLOCOCCUS ALBUS IN WOUND INFECTION AND IN SEPTICEMIA.

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, specifically Staphylococcus albus, is frequently encountered in clinical settings.
• Historically, Staphylococcus albus has often been misidentified as a mere contaminant in blood cultures.
• This perception overlooks its potential to cause significant patient morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Staphylococcus albus in wound infections and bloodstream infections.
• To determine the clinical significance and outcomes associated with Staphylococcus albus bacteremia.
• To emphasize the importance of accurate identification and management of Staphylococcus albus infections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1200 wound infections and blood cultures from a large general hospital (1957-1964).
• Clinical data review for patients with Staphylococcus albus identified in cultures.
• Assessment of patient outcomes, including mortality rates.

Main Results:

• Staphylococcus albus was identified as the causal agent in 4.4% of wound infections, typically resolving without antibiotics.
• Crucially, Staphylococcus albus was found in repeated blood cultures, leading to septicemia in 12 patients.
• These septicemic patients experienced a 50% mortality rate, underscoring the organism's severe pathogenic potential.

Conclusions:

• Staphylococcus albus is not merely a contaminant but a significant pathogen capable of causing life-threatening septicemia.
• Dismissing Staphylococcus albus in blood cultures can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, with tragic consequences.
• Vigilance is required, particularly in poor-risk patients and those post-cardiac surgery, to prevent severe outcomes from Staphylococcus albus infections.