Mini-review: Staphylococcus epidermidis as the most frequent cause of nosocomial infections: old and new fighting strategies

Abstract

Staphylococcus epidermidis is nowadays regarded as the most frequent cause of nosocomial infections and indwelling medical device-associated infections. One of the features that contributes to the success of this microorganism and which is elemental to the onset of pathogenesis is its ability to form biofilms. Cells in this mode of growth are inherently more resistant to antimicrobials. Seeking to treat staphylococcal-related infections and to prevent their side effects, such as the significant morbidity and health care costs, many efforts are being made to develop of new and effective antistaphylococcal drugs. Indeed, due to its frequency and extreme resistance to treatment, staphylococcal-associated infections represent a serious burden for the public health system. This review will provide an overview of some conventional and emerging anti-biofilm approaches in the management of medical device-associated infections related to this important nosocomial pathogen.

Keywords:

• antimicrobial agents
• biofilm
• nosocomial infection
• Staphylococcus epidermidis

Acknowledgement

F. Gomes and P. Teixeira acknowledge the financial support of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology through the grants [SFRH/BPD/84488/2012], and [SFRH/BPD/86732/2012], respectively.