Staphylococcus schleiferi

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MALDI-TOF target plate for microbial identification

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Staphylococcus schleiferi is a species of bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus, which is part of the larger family of Staphylococcaceae. This bacterium is coagulase-variable, meaning that it can either produce the enzyme coagulase, which causes blood plasma to clot, or not, depending on the strain. There are two subspecies of Staphylococcus schleiferi: Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. schleiferi and Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. coagulans, with the latter being coagulase-positive.

Characteristics

Staphylococcus schleiferi is a Gram-positive bacterium, which means it has a thick peptidoglycan cell wall that retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. It is non-motile, does not form spores, and is typically found in clusters resembling grapes, which is a characteristic feature of staphylococci. This bacterium is facultatively anaerobic, capable of growing in both the presence and absence of oxygen.

Habitat and Pathogenicity

Originally isolated from dogs, particularly from the ears of those with otitis externa, Staphylococcus schleiferi has also been identified in humans, where it can be a part of the normal skin flora or act as an opportunistic pathogen. In humans, it has been associated with skin infections, wound infections, and, less commonly, bloodstream infections. Its role in disease is more clearly defined in veterinary medicine, where it is recognized for its ability to cause skin and ear infections in dogs.

Clinical Significance

The clinical significance of Staphylococcus schleiferi in both human and veterinary medicine lies in its ability to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus schleiferi (MRSS), which poses a challenge in treatment. The presence of this bacterium in clinical infections necessitates careful antibiotic selection and susceptibility testing to ensure effective treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Staphylococcus schleiferi infections involves the isolation and identification of the bacterium from clinical specimens, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Treatment typically involves the administration of appropriate antibiotics based on susceptibility patterns, with a growing emphasis on the need for antibiotic stewardship to combat resistance.

Prevention

Preventive measures against Staphylococcus schleiferi infections include good hygiene practices, proper wound care, and the prudent use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine to limit the development of resistance.

Staphylococcus schleiferi Resources
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