Coagulase-negative staphylococci

PREVIEWCoagulase-negative staphylococci are among the most commonly isolated bacteria in clinical microbiology laboratories. Such coagulase-negative, novobiocin-susceptible staphylococci as Staphylococcus epidermidis have emerged as a major cause of infection, particularly in hospitalized patients with indwelling foreign bodies and in immunocompromised patients. In this article, Drs von Eiff, Proctor, and Peters discuss the role of these pathogens in bacteremia, polymer-associated infection, endocarditis, and urinary tract infection (UTI).