Related Experiment Videos
Micrococcus and Stomatococcus spp. from human infections
J T Magee1, I A Burnett, J M Hindmarch
1Department of Bacteriology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.
Abstract:
Infections with Micrococcus spp. in six patients and Stomatococcus mucilaginosus in one patient are described. Two of the Micrococcus infections occurred in leukaemic patients with indwelling lines, six episodes occurred in three patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and one occurred in a patient with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Stomatococcus was isolated from fluid draining from a sub-dural haematoma. Colony morphology, oxidase reaction and resistance to nitrofuration were useful in differentiation of micrococci from staphylococci. Incidence and risk factors for micrococcal infections appear similar to those for infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), but the literature is confused due to changes in the definitions of these genera.
Insights
Micrococcus and Stomatococcus infections are detailed in patients with leukemia, peritoneal dialysis, or shunts. Differentiating these bacteria from staphylococci is crucial for understanding infection risks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Bacteriology
Background:
- Micrococcus spp. and Stomatococcus mucilaginosus are Gram-positive cocci that can cause human infections.
- Distinguishing these organisms from coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Previous literature may be unclear due to evolving taxonomic definitions of these bacterial genera.
Observation:
- This study describes seven cases of infection: six caused by Micrococcus spp. and one by Stomatococcus mucilaginosus.
- Micrococcus infections occurred in patients with leukemia and indwelling lines, undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), or with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.
- Stomatococcus mucilaginosus was isolated from the fluid of a sub-dural hematoma.
Findings:
- Colony morphology, oxidase reaction, and nitrofuration resistance are valuable characteristics for differentiating Micrococcus from Staphylococcus.
- The incidence and risk factors for Micrococcus infections appear comparable to those of CNS infections.
- Taxonomic reclassifications have contributed to confusion in the literature regarding these organisms.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of Micrococcus and Stomatococcus is essential for appropriate patient management and infection control.
- Understanding the specific risk factors associated with these infections can guide preventative strategies, particularly in immunocompromised or device-dependent patients.
- Clarifying the taxonomic status and clinical significance of these bacteria is necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy and epidemiological surveillance.