title: Host Response toStaphylococcus epidermidisColonization and Infections.
abstract: The majority of research in theStaphylococcusfield has been dedicated to the understanding ofStaphylococcus aureusinfections. In contrast, there is limited information on infections by coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) and how the host responds to them.S. epidermidis, a member of the coagulase-negative Staphylococci, is an important commensal organism of the human skin and mucous membranes; and there is emerging evidence of its benefit for human health in fighting off harmful microorganisms. However,S. epidermidiscan cause opportunistic infections, which include particularly biofilm-associated infections on indwelling medical devices. These often can disseminate into the bloodstream; and in fact,S. epidermidisis the most frequent cause of nosocomial sepsis. The increasing use of medical implants and the dramatic shift in the patient demographic population in recent years have contributed significantly to the rise ofS. epidermidisinfections. Furthermore, treatment has been complicated by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Today,S. epidermidisis a major nosocomial pathogen posing significant medical and economic burdens. In this review, we present the current understanding of mechanisms of host defense against the prototypical CoNS speciesS. epidermidisas a commensal of the skin and mucous membranes, and during biofilm-associated infection and sepsis.
authors.affiliation: Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Thuan H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Otto
mesh_terms: D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000276:immunology*
keywords: Staphylococcus epidermidis; biofilm-associated infection; biofilms; coagulase-negative staphylococci; host defense; innate immunity; sepsis