Colour enhanced scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Staphylococcus epidermidis diplococci (in pairs). Staphylococcus epidermidis is a Gram-positive bacterium, and one of over 40 species belonging to the genus Staphylococcus. S. epidermidis is a very hardy microorganism, consisting of non-motile, Gram-positive cocci, arranged in grape-like clusters. It is part of the normal human flora, typically the skin flora, and less commonly the mucosal flora. Although S. epidermidis is not usually pathogenic, patients with compromised immune systems are at risk of developing infection. These infections are generally hospital-acquired. S. epidermidis is a particular concern for people with catheters or other surgical implants because it is known to form biofilms that grow on these devices. Being part of the normal skin flora, S. epidermidis is a frequent contaminant of specimens sent to the diagnostic laboratory. Magnification 10, 000x when printed 15cm. |