A narrative overview of Staphylococcus haemolyticus: resistance traits, virulence factors, and health impact

Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus) is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium emerging as a significant nosocomial pathogen, particularly in neonatal intensive care units. It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and exhibits high levels of antibiotic resistance among coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), underscores its global public health relevance. Advances in sequencing technologies have provided genomic insights into its pathogenicity, including biofilm formation and secretion of virulence factors. The organism is implicated in device-associated meningitis and neonatal central nervous system (CNS) infections. Current therapeutic challenges necessitate alternative treatment strategies, such as phage-derived endolysins and linezolid, especially when conventional options fail. This review outlines a comprehensive understanding of S. haemolyticus, focusing on its antibiotic resistance, virulence determinants, and the need for innovative approaches to combat healthcare-associated infections.