JMM Profile: Staphylococcus epidermidis

Abstract

Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most abundant commensal bacterium of human skin. Despite protecting us from foreign invaders, S. epidermidis itself exploits human vulnerability when given the opportunity. Such opportunities arise when patients are immunocompromised or when biomedical implants present an opportunity to colonize the surface and form biofilms. S. epidermidis is one of the most frequently isolated organisms from implanted devices and from bloodstream infections. However, S. epidermidis infections are often recalcitrant to antibiotics because of biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance. Furthermore, the emergence and spread of nearly pan-resistant strains is a considerable health concern. Symptoms can be subclinical, making diagnosis challenging, and treatment with antibiotics is inefficient. For now, infection prevention remains the best strategy available.

Multifunctional Pomegranate Peel Microparticles with Health-Promoting Effects for the Sustainable Development of Novel Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals

“…Among infectious diseases, skin and skin-structure infections are considered the most common ones that lead to significant costs in healthcare systems. Considering the fact that S. aureus is found to be the most common pathogen in skin and soft-tissue infections in both ambulatory and hospitalised diabetic patients and that S. epidermidis is the most abundant commensal bacterium affecting immunocompromised patients, these results could have a great potential for preparing therapeutic protocols for treating infections related to these bacteria [ 84 , 85 ]. A notable antimicrobial potential of PP powders was also detected against foodborne representatives, Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 2.5–5 mg/mL) and Shigella flexneri (MIC = 2.5 mg/mL).…”

Antibiofilm Mechanisms of the Helical G3 Peptide against Staphylococcus epidermidis

“…47 It is known that the synthesis of extracellular PIA is regulated by the corresponding proteins encoded by the Ica series gene IcaABCD operon. 36,37,40,48 PIA oligomers are synthesized by a membrane protein expressed by IcaA with the function of N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase. 10,41 IcaA activity is largely increased when icaA is coexpressed with icaD, resulting in N-acetylglucosamine oligomers with a maximal chain length of PIA.…”

Assessment of the antibacterial effect of Barium Titanate nanoparticles against Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion after addition to maxillofacial silicone

“…Such chances appear in immunocompromised people or when biomedical implants provide a chance for surface colonization and biofilm formation. 6 The physical rubbing or brushing of maxillofacial prostheses is one method of disinfection, although it is not perfectly advised since the repetitive cleaning might roughen the material's surface. Similar chemical immersion, for example, repeated use of chlorhexidine gluconate CHX, may change the physical and mechanical characteristics of maxillofacial silicone elastomers, resulting in roughness, color change, and an increase in microhardness.…”