STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS Meaning and
Definition
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Staphylococcus epidermidis is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Staphylococcus. It is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium that typically forms clusters or colonies resembling grapes when observed under a microscope. This bacterium is part of the natural flora present on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and is considered a commensal, meaning it normally does not cause harm to its host.
As an opportunistic pathogen, Staphylococcus epidermidis can cause infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those with medical devices such as catheters, prosthetic joints, or pacemakers. This bacterium has the ability to bind to surfaces and form biofilms, allowing it to adhere to medical devices and establish persistent infections. Infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis can lead to conditions such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections, infections of the bloodstream (bacteremia), endocarditis, and device-related infections.
Staphylococcus epidermidis is characterized by its ability to produce a biofilm, polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), which helps it adhere to surfaces and evade host defenses. The bacterium also possesses several virulence factors, such as surface proteins and enzymes, which contribute to its pathogenicity.
Identification of Staphylococcus epidermidis can be done through various laboratory techniques, including Gram staining, culture on specific media, biochemical tests, and molecular methods. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics, although the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococci has become a significant challenge in managing infections caused by this bacterium.
Common Misspellings for STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS
- ataphylococcus epidermidis
- ztaphylococcus epidermidis
- xtaphylococcus epidermidis
- dtaphylococcus epidermidis
- etaphylococcus epidermidis
- wtaphylococcus epidermidis
- sraphylococcus epidermidis
- sfaphylococcus epidermidis
- sgaphylococcus epidermidis
- syaphylococcus epidermidis
- s6aphylococcus epidermidis
- s5aphylococcus epidermidis
- stzphylococcus epidermidis
- stsphylococcus epidermidis
- stwphylococcus epidermidis
- stqphylococcus epidermidis
- staohylococcus epidermidis
- stalhylococcus epidermidis
- sta-hylococcus epidermidis
- sta0hylococcus epidermidis
Etymology of STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS
The word "Staphylococcus" has its roots in Greek. "Staphylo" means "bunch of grapes", referring to the bacteria's characteristic clustered appearance under a microscope. "Coccus" means "round" or "berry".
"Epidermidis" is derived from the Latin word "epidermis", meaning "skin". Thus, "Staphylococcus epidermidis" suggests a bacterium that is round and clustered, typically found on the skin.
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