fbl gene as a species-specific target for Staphylococcus lugdunensis identification

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an unusually virulent coagulase-negative species, associated with severe infections. The present report describes the development of a single-step, species-specific PCR protocol for S. lugdunensis identification. fbl gene, encoding a fibrinogen-binding adhesin, was exploited and assessed as a suitable nucleic acid target. The gene was detected in all 17 S. lugdunensis isolates examined, while no amplification product was obtained from 98 isolates representing 11 staphylococcal and 17 nonstaphylococcal species. Forty-seven percent of the S. lugdunensis strains produced a positive slide coagulase reaction, which is consistent with varying levels of Fbl protein expression within the species.