Staphylococcus epidermidis - virulence factors and innate immune response

Abstract

S. epidermidis rank first among the causative agent of nosocomial infections, and accounts for more than 50% of the late-onset sepsis episodes in neonates. S. epidermidis often cause infections in immune-compromised patients Biofilm formation is the most important virulence factor of S. epidermidis. Its relevance has risen the past decades with the increased use of indwelling medical devices such as vascular and peritoneal catheters, prosthetic joints, heart valves and vascular grafts. The frequency of S. epidermidis infections is increasing, mainly due to concurrent advances in medical practice with more people undergoing and surviving intensive care treatment, acquiring prosthesis, and the increased survival of patients with a compromised immune system, such as preterm neonates and HIV patients. Although S. epidermidis infections only rarely develop into life-threatening diseases, they significantly increase morbidity in the affected groups. Their frequency and the fact that they are extremely difficult to treat, represent a serious burden for the public health system. Therefore, increased knowledge of S. epidermidis virulence factors and their impact on the innate immune system is important to develop new methods to fight these infections.