Toxin-Producing Strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis (albus)

Toxigenic strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis and their experimental corneal pathogenicity in rabbits

“…Our results are supported by an earlier study (19) which noted that this toxin was produced by 33/34 strains of Staph. aureus irrespective of their isolation from individuals with or without ocular disease.…”

“…Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that some strains of Staph. epidermic[is isolated from cases of blepharoconjunctivitis also produced a similar substance (19). Our recent observations that all strains of Staph.…”

“…Isolates of Staphylococcus epidemfidis, once discarded as mere commensals of the healthy conjunctival sac of man, have now been recognised as pathogens in corneal ulcers (10), postoperative infections including endophthalmitis (4,9,18) and in cases of blepharoconjunctivitis (19). The strains have also been found responsible for producing meibomitis and non-specific keratitis (13).…”

Interventions for chronic blepharitis

“…Some researchers have hypothesized that toxins produced by certain strains of S. aureus or S. epidermis may be a cause of irritation (Valenton 1973). However, a specific toxin more associated with clinically blepharitic lids than controls has not been identified (Seal 1990).…”

Management of bacterial keratitis: beyond exorcism towards consideration of organism and host factors

“…Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, including S. epidermidis also produce potentially destructive toxin. 60 Streptococcal toxins include Streptolysin O and S, erythrogenic toxin and the enzymes hyaluronidase, streptodornase, and streptokinase. The invasiveness of S. pneumoniae is aided by collagenase activity, 61 although the organism may be inherently invasive without toxin production.…”