Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: January 17, 2025
Nosocomial infections by Staphylococcus epidermidis: how a commensal bacterium turns into a pathogen
Wilma Ziebuhr1, Susanne Hennig, Martin Eckart
1Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie, Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany. w.ziebuhr@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Abstract:
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a commensal bacterium of the human skin. However, S. epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) emerge also as common nosocomial pathogens infecting immunocompromized patients carrying medical devices. Antibiotic resistance and the ability of many nosocomial S. epidermidis isolates to form biofilms on inert surfaces make these infections hard to treat. Epidemiological analyses using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and genetic studies suggest that S. epidermidis isolates in the hospital environment differ from those obtained outside of medical facilities with respect to biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and the presence of mobile DNA elements. Since S. epidermidis isolates exhibit high genome flexibility, they are now regarded as reservoirs for the evolution and spread of resistance traits within nosocomial bacterial communities.
Related Concept Videos
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Colonisation of Pathogens
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...