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Bacteremia due to Staphylococcus epidermidis: microbiologic, epidemiologic, clinical, and prognostic features
S Fidalgo1, F Vázquez, M C Mendoza
1Microbiology Service, Hospital Covadonga, Oviedo, Spain.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Staphylococcus epidermidis causes bacteremia (SEB), often linked to indwelling devices. Mortality was 36.9%, influenced by patient health and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Understanding the characteristics and outcomes of S. epidermidis bacteremia (SEB) is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish Staphylococcus epidermidis as the causal agent of true bacteremia.
- To analyze the microbiologic, epidemiologic, clinical, and prognostic features of SEB.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 65 SEB episodes from 1982-1986.
- In vitro susceptibility testing for antibiotics and heavy metals.
- Identification of biotypes, resistotypes, and antibiotypes.
- Detection of slime production and exoproteins.
Main Results:
- S. epidermidis confirmed as the cause of SEB.
- High slime production (76.7%) observed.
- Common clinical features included fever, leukocytosis, anemia, and phlebitis in males >40 years.
- Indwelling devices were the primary portal of entry.
- Overall mortality rate was 36.9%.
Conclusions:
- SEB is associated with significant mortality.
- Underlying disease, hemodynamic status, predisposing factors, and treatment impact mortality.
- Specific resistotypes and antibiotypes were identified.