Properties of Staphylococcus lugdunensis in Children

Background. Staphylococcus lugdunensis is one of the clinically important coagulase-negative staphylococci. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the microbiological features of S. lugdunensis in hospitalized children. Methods. From January 2012 to December 2019, all isolates were retrospectively screened for S. lugdunensis. Results. Twenty-five children were eligible for study. Nineteen and six children were classified into a critical care unit group (Group A) and a general medical ward group (Group B), respectively. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. lugdunensis was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (68.4% vs 0%; P < .01). Eleven children (44%) had S. lugdunensis infections, while the remaining children were colonized. Six of the 11 infected children (55%) had healthcare-associated infections. Moreover, 3 isolates exhibited the methicillin resistance. Conclusions. The bacteriological characteristics of S. lugdunensis differ depending on patient background. Selection of antibiotic treatment should in part rely on patient background data.