Significance of Staphylococcus Haemolyticus in Hospital Acquired Infections

Staphylococcus haemolyticus is a commensal on skin in human beings and a member of coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS). It is abundantly found in inguinal areas, perineum and axillae. S. haemolyticus is a well-known opportunistic pathogen and the most recurrently isolated among CoNS after S. epidermidis. It is the second most frequent cause of nosocomial infections associated with the insertion of medical devices. Staphylococcus haemolyticus also represents a multi-drug resistant phenotype recognized among CoNS. Its ability and pattern of forming bio-films that are different from other staphylococcus species makes it a complicated pathogen to treat. A multidisciplinary approach towards the awareness and control of infections due to CoNS will reduce the disease burden. This review describes the characteristics of S. haemolyticus along with mechanism of antimicrobial resistance, pathogenecity and clinical importance.