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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Staphylococcus pettenkoferi
Marta Kierzkowska1, Kinga Markowska1, Anna Majewska1
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5 Str., 02-004 Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus pettenkoferi is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus, first described in 2002. Using medical databases, i.e., Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Embase, we identified and analysed research, reports, and opinions dealing with S. pettenkoferi. Published data allow us to conclude that S. pettenkoferi is a human commensal, opportunistic bacterium and may be isolated from the environment and animals. The involvement of S. pettenkoferi in bloodstream infection and osteomyelitis has been described, but its clinical relevance is not fully understood, so far. This work summarizes knowledge about S. pettenkoferi and reveals the difficulties and rules for interpreting the results of microbiological tests, when S. pettenkoferi has been identified in the blood sample. Clinical and laboratory criteria, recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the third international consensus definitions of sepsis and septic shock (Sepsis-3), are important to determine whether the presence of bacteria in the sample is a consequence of an infection, contamination from the environment, or translocation of the bacteria outside the place of its natural existence. The precise identification of bacteria from the blood sample and recognizing the true bacteraemia are critical to implement the appropriate procedures and make decisions concerning the patient's medical care.
Insights
Staphylococcus pettenkoferi is an opportunistic bacterium found in humans and animals. This study reviews its role in infections and highlights challenges in interpreting blood culture results to distinguish true bacteremia from contamination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus pettenkoferi, identified in 2002, is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus.
- It is recognized as a human commensal and opportunistic bacterium, found in environmental and animal sources.
- While implicated in bloodstream infections and osteomyelitis, its clinical significance remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on Staphylococcus pettenkoferi.
- To address the challenges in interpreting microbiological tests when S. pettenkoferi is detected in blood samples.
- To differentiate true bacteremia from contamination or translocation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of medical databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase).
- Analysis of published research, reports, and opinions on S. pettenkoferi.
- Application of clinical and laboratory criteria (CDC, Sepsis-3) for result interpretation.
Main Results:
- S. pettenkoferi is frequently isolated from various sources, including humans, animals, and the environment.
- Distinguishing true S. pettenkoferi bacteremia from contamination requires careful evaluation.
- Established criteria are crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
Conclusions:
- Accurate identification of S. pettenkoferi in blood cultures is critical for patient care.
- Clinical and laboratory criteria are essential for determining the relevance of S. pettenkoferi detection.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the clinical impact of S. pettenkoferi infections.
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