Streptococcus epidermidis infections

Methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae have been isolated from ocular infections. Therefore treatment of ocular infections caused by these organisms might require use of vancomycin for resolution. Vancomycin is also recommended for empiric intra-vitreal and topical therapy in bacterial endophthalmitis and for parenteral therapy in moderate to severe preseptal cellulitis (see Table 11-1). 

Common Sites of Invasion Staph aureus Staph epidermidis inhabit most people s skin and are likely to infect wounds, surgical sites and indwelling catheters (causing infective endocarditis). Strep pneumoniae is often the cause of community-acquired pneumonia and adult bacterial meningitis. "Strep throat" is an infection caused by Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. If untreated, it may elicit an immunologic reaction in the heart, joints and other tissues, known as rheumatic fever. 

Biofilm formation is believed to play a crucial role in infection mechanisms. This is the case, for example, of Staphylocoaus epidermidis and P. aeruginosa, and for the genera Escherichia, Legionella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Vibrio involved in clinical chronic infections. Their biofilms ensure protection firom antibiotics preventing penetration of different agents. i... 

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