Staph. haemolyticus

Background:

>Staphylococcus Coagulase-negative species:
     1] Staph epidermidis
     2] Staph. haemolyticus Led
     3] Staph lugdunensis
     4] Staph saprophyticus
     5] Staph hominis
     6] Staph capitis

Staphylococcus haemolyticus:

  • Non-motile, non-sporulating, facultatively anaerobic, and Gram-stain positive. 
  • Member of the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS).
  • It is part of the skin flora of humans, and its largest populations are usually found at the axillae, perineum, and inguinal areas.
  •  It is a well-known opportunistic pathogen, and is the second most frequently isolated CoNS (S. epidermidis is the first).
  • Infections can be localized or systemic, and are often associated with the insertion of medical devices.
  • The highly antibiotic resistant phenotype and ability to form biofilms make S. haemolyticus a difficult pathogen to treat.

 

Top Of Page

Therapy:

Important considerations:  The choice of an agent should be based on local antimicrobial sensitivities, site of infection, cost, and comorbid conditions.   Generally, the most common agents/regimens are listed first.  Listed dosages may need to be adjusted for renal dysfunction.

S. haemolyticus has the highest level of antibiotic resistance among the (CoNS) coagulase-negative staphylococci
 

  1. Vancomycin – (patient-specific regimen – trough goal 15-20 mcg/ml)
  2. Linezolid 600 mg orally or IV q12h 
  3. Daptomycin 4 – 6 mg/kg IV once daily.   NOT FOR PNEUMONIA
Staph. haemolyticus