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The Curious Bag
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Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) is, according to Microbiology and Immunology Online, part of our natural bacterial flora, meaning bacteria found naturally on the skin. It only poses a threat when it crosses the skin barrier.
Identification
S. epidermidis infections are described as nosocomial, according to Microbiology and Immunology Online. This means that they are caused by medical treatment, such as through being in a hospital, and not related to the initial cause of treatment.
Causes
People who develop infection with S. epidermidis often have a medical device such as a shunt or catheter, according to Microbiology and Immunology Online.
Effects
Infections like those with S. epidermidis are called opportunistic because they only occur because there is a breakdown in the body's natural ability to defend itself.
Features
S. epidermidis creates a biofilm on medical devices which may allow it to infect the body, according to the European Bioinformatics Institute.
Considerations
It is still not known, according to the European Bioinformatics Institute, specifically why or how Staphylococcus epidermidis is able to cause infections.
Source:
Microbiology and Immunology Online: Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Staphylococci
European Bioinformatics Institute: Staphylococcus Epidermidis
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