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Understanding the significance of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia in babies and children

Gordon Y C Cheung1, Michael Otto

  • 1Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|February 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus epidermidis and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) sepsis remain a significant challenge in neonates. Understanding pathogenesis and improving hospital hygiene are crucial for preventing these difficult-to-treat biofilm-associated infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus epidermidis and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are leading causes of healthcare-associated infections.
  • Neonatal sepsis due to these pathogens presents significant challenges in prevention and treatment.
  • Biofilm formation on indwelling medical devices contributes to persistent and recurrent infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia/sepsis and CoNS infections in neonates and children.
  • To review recent advancements in understanding the pathogenesis and host interactions of S. epidermidis.
  • To discuss challenges and potential strategies for managing these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on S. epidermidis and CoNS infections.
  • Analysis of pathogenesis, host defense interactions, and risk factors.
  • Evaluation of biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • S. epidermidis and CoNS sepsis incidence remains high in neonates, with difficult treatment outcomes.
  • Progress has been made in understanding S. epidermidis pathogenesis, host interactions, and risk factors.
  • Biofilm-associated catheter infections are a major cause of recurrent CoNS infections in premature neonates, exhibiting intrinsic antibiotic resistance.

Conclusions:

  • S. epidermidis bloodstream infections are particularly problematic in neonates, often linked to biofilm-associated catheter infections.
  • The role of S. epidermidis colonization as potentially beneficial warrants further investigation for prophylactic strategies.
  • Enhanced hospital hygiene is paramount to reduce pathogen introduction on medical devices, alongside developing new therapies targeting virulence and risk factors.
Abstract

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