Staphylococcus caprae bone and joint infections: a re-emerging infection?

Comparative study of a commercial formula containing natural antimicrobials versus oral cephalexin or topical chlorhexidine-miconazole therapies for treating superficial pyoderma in dogs

BACKGROUND

Chronic and recurrent pyoderma in dogs is driving a growing interest in natural antimicrobial products that offer minimal adverse effects and avoid antibiotic resistance.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the safety and efficacy of dermatological products with antimicrobial peptides and plant extracts, comparing them to chlorhexidine + miconazole and cephalexin therapy for superficial pyoderma in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five dogs with superficial pyoderma underwent clinical, cytopathological and microbiological diagnosis, and were randomly assigned to Group 1 (G1) treated with shampoo (two weekly baths) and lotion (twice daily on the affected areas) containing natural antimicrobials; Group 2 (G2) treated with two weekly baths using a therapeutic shampoo containing 2% chlorhexidine and 2.5% miconazole; or Group 3 (G3) treated with oral cephalexin 30 mg/kg twice daily. Staphylococcus spp. strains were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS)/lesion scores were evaluated on Day (D)0, D7, D14, D21 and D28.

RESULTS

Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were noted between D0 and D28 in PVAS values and lesion scores for all groups. G1 had lower PVAS scores than other groups on D7 and D14 (p < 0.05) and lower lesion scores than G3 on D7. By D28, G1 and G3 had lower lesion scores than G2. Notably, G1 and G2 had no adverse effects, while 26% of G3 patients experienced gastrointestinal issues during therapy.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This preliminary investigation of the new product (G1) suggests that it is effective, safe and a promising topical treatment for managing superficial pyoderma in dogs, offering an alternative to systemic antibiotics and topical antiseptic treatments.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Staphylococcus caprae Infections in Catalonia, Spain

Staphylococcus caprae is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus commonly associated with animals which can also be a zoonotic human pathogen. To date, there is little data available on S. caprae infections. The aim of this study was to characterize the S. caprae infections identified in two hospitals located, respectively, in rural and urban areas of Catalonia, Spain. In this retrospective, observational study, data were compiled from clinical records of all S. caprae infections diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2023. Over the study period, altogether 31 cases of S. caprae infection were identified, with most (23) of these cases occurring in the second half of the period (2017-2023). The mean age of patients was 58.87 ± 20.65 years, and 58.1% were males. Eight patients had had livestock exposure. The most frequent manifestation of infection was skin and soft subcutaneous tissue infections (10; 32.3%), osteomyelitis (6; 19.4%), and joint prosthetic infections (5; 16.1%). All the strains were susceptible to oxacillin, fluoroquinolones, rifampicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Twenty-two (71%) of the patients required surgical treatment. Only one patient (3.2%) died, because of aortic prosthetic valve infective endocarditis. Skin and soft tissue infections were the most frequently identified manifestations of S. caprae infection. Over 75% of the cases occurred in the last six years, and 25.8% involved significant exposure to livestock. Ongoing surveillance is necessary to better understand the prevalence and transmission dynamics of this emerging zoonotic pathogen.

Staphylococcus caprae Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Report of Two Cases

Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae) is a coagulase-negative staphylococci. This group of bacteria is typically part of the skin flora but can become pathogenic in susceptible hosts, such as preterm infants with prolonged stays in neonatal intensive care units. Two preterm newborns with late-onset sepsis caused by S. caprae, one of whom also developed meningitis. Antibiotics were initiated, and both infants had favorable outcomes. While S. caprae is a well-documented agent of infection in adults, there are only rare reports of infection in neonates, particularly in preterms. Differentiating between contamination and infection is crucial for the appropriate initiation of antibiotics.

Never Assume Successful Treatment of Septic Arthritis: Bacteria Isolated at Revision ACL Reconstruction 3 Years After Primary ACL Reconstruction "Successfully" Treated for Infection

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

A capricious case of Staphylococcus caprae thoracic osteomyelitis

Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae) is a gram positive, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) that occurs as a commensal pathogen on the human skin. It recently has been recognized in causing nosocomial infections involving the bloodstream, urinary tract, heart, bone, and joints, particularly in immunosuppressed patients or individuals with prosthetic devices. Previously, S. caprae was underreported as it was difficult to identify in the clinical microbiology laboratory; however, due to advances in molecular identification methods and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), more clinical cases are being identified in human isolates and appropriately treated. S. caprae osteoarticular infections are usually associated with polymicrobial infections and presence of orthopedic prostheses in immunocompromised adults. This pathogen has an even rarer presentation of bone and joint infections (BJIs) in immunocompetent individuals without orthopedic devices. Our case is of a 65-year-old immunocompetent male with diet-controlled diabetes mellitus type 2 and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis who presented with worsening mid-thoracic pain after a ground-level fall and was diagnosed with biopsy-proven S. caprae thoracic discitis/osteomyelitis, associated with recurrent catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). It illustrates the importance of recognizing S. caprae as an emerging human pathogen, even in immunocompetent individuals without orthopedic hardware, requiring prompt targeted treatment of native BJIs to prevent unfavorable outcomes.

Isolation and Characterization of New Bacteriophages against Staphylococcal Clinical Isolates from Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Staphylococcus sp. is the most common bacterial genus in infections related to diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria places a serious burden on public health systems. Phage therapy is an alternative treatment to antibiotics, overcoming the issue of antibiotic resistance. In this study, six phages (SAVM01 to SAVM06) were isolated from effluents and were used against a panel of staphylococcal clinical samples isolated from DFUs. A genomic analysis revealed that the phages belonged to the Herelleviridae family, with sequences similar to those of the Kayvirus genus. No lysogeny-associated genes, known virulence or drug resistance genes were identified in the phage genomes. The phages displayed a strong lytic and antibiofilm activity against DFU clinical isolates, as well as against opportunistic pathogenic coagulase-negative staphylococci. The results presented here suggest that these phages could be effective biocontrol agents against staphylococcal clinical isolates from DFUs.

The composition of the maternal breastmilk microbiota influences the microbiota network structure during early infancy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE(S)

Human breastmilk (BM) is important for microbiome maturation in infants across different body sites. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are considered universally predominant genera in the BM microbiota. However, whether the differential abundance of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in BM can differentially affect microbiome maturation in infants remains unclear.

METHODS

We recruited exclusively breastfeeding mothers from among the donors of the human milk bank established at National Cheng-Kung University Hospital. The donor mothers provided 35 BM samples at three months (3 M; before introducing children to complementary feeding) and 23 BM samples at six months (6 M; after introducing children to complementary feeding) postpartum. At both time points, samples from different body sites, including nasal swabs, oral swabs and stool, were collected from the mothers and their infants.

RESULTS

Maternal BMI was inversely associated with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) abundance in breastmilk. Staphylococcus caprae representation in BM CoNS showed a negative correlation with Streptococcus abundance. Network analysis revealed that infants fed Staphylococcus-dominated BM had better gut and nasal microbiota networks than infants fed Streptococcus-abundant BM during early infancy.

CONCLUSION

Our work suggests that maternal metabolic status plays a crucial role in Staphylococcus/Streptococcus competition in BM, which in turn can impact the development of the infant microbiota. Our microbiota co-occurrence network analysis might serve as a helpful bioinformatic tool to monitor microbiota maturation during early infancy.

Subacute osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus caprae in a teenager: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae) is a human commensal bacterium which can be detected in the nose, nails, and skin. It can be responsible for heterogeneous infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, pneumonia, acute otitis externa, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections. Bone and joint infections due to S. caprae have also been reported, but most of them resulted from the infection of orthopedic devices, especially joint prostheses and internal osteosynthesis devices. Rare cases of primary osteoarticular infections caused by S. caprae have been described, including osteitis, arthritis, or spondylodiscitis.

CASE SUMMARY

We report an unusual case of subacute osteomyelitis in a toe phalanx caused by S. caprae in a 14.5-year-old girl.

CONCLUSION

Subacute S. caprae osteomyelitis is a little-known and probably underestimated community-acquired infectious disease. This microorganism’s pathogenicity should be seen as more than a classic nosocomial orthopedic device infection.

Subacute osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus caprae in a teenager: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae) is a human commensal bacterium which can be detected in the nose, nails, and skin. It can be responsible for heterogeneous infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, pneumonia, acute otitis externa, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections. Bone and joint infections due to S. caprae have also been reported, but most of them resulted from the infection of orthopedic devices, especially joint prostheses and internal osteosynthesis devices. Rare cases of primary osteoarticular infections caused by S. caprae have been described, including osteitis, arthritis, or spondylodiscitis.

CASE SUMMARY

We report an unusual case of subacute osteomyelitis in a toe phalanx caused by S. caprae in a 14.5-year-old girl.

CONCLUSION

Subacute S. caprae osteomyelitis is a little-known and probably underestimated community-acquired infectious disease. This microorganism's pathogenicity should be seen as more than a classic nosocomial orthopedic device infection.

A Rare Case of Staphylococcus caprae-Caused Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Literature Review and Antibiotic Treatment Algorithm Suggestion

In this study, we discuss a case of a 59-year-old male who developed a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) three months after a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The patient complained of groin and buttock pain, swelling, and high temperature. A palpable fluid collection, discomfort, edema, and elevated local temperature were present in the clinical examination. Laboratory analysis revealed elevated white blood cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The preoperative joint aspiration came up positive for Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae) infection. Diagnosis and pathogen identification were confirmed by histological examination of six tissue samples obtained during surgery. We initially performed early debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) followed by antibiotic therapy suggested by an infectious disease specialist. DAIR failed two months later, and we proceeded to a two-stage revision. Following surgery, the patient was treated with intravenous antibiotic combination therapy for three weeks and thereafter with oral antibiotics for three months. Four months down the line, the patient is free of symptoms, and the inflammatory markers are normal. Finally, we will proceed with the second stage of revision. This study highlights a very rare case of PJI infection by S. caprae, reviews the limited literature, and provides the available evidence for surgical and antibiotic management.

Antibiotic Stewardship in Treatment of Osteoarticular Infections Based on Local Epidemiology and Bacterial Growth Times

Incubation for 14 days is recommended for the culture of microorganisms from osteoarticular infections (OAI), but there are no recommendations for postoperative antibiotic stewardship concerning empirical antimicrobial therapy (EAT), while prolonging broad-spectrum EAT results in adverse effects. The aim of this study was to describe the local OAI epidemiology with consideration of bacterial growth times to determine which antibiotic stewardship intervention should be implemented in cases of negative culture after 2 days of incubation. We performed a 1-year, single-center, noninterventional cohort study at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital OAI reference center. Samples were taken as part of the local standard of care protocol for adult patients who underwent surgery for OAI (native or device related) and received EAT (i.e., piperacillin-tazobactam plus daptomycin [PTD]) following surgery. The time to culture positivity was monitored daily. Overall, 147 patients were recruited, accounting for 151 episodes of OAI, including 112 device-related infections. Microbiological cultures were positive in 144 cases, including 42% polymicrobial infections. Overall, a definitive microbiological result was obtained within 48 h in 118 cases (78%) and within 5 days in 130 cases (86%). After 5 days, only Gram-positive bacteria were recovered, especially Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. Overall, 90% of culture-positive OAI were correctly treated with the locally established EAT. EAT guidance for OAI was in agreement with our local epidemiology. Our results supported antibiotic stewardship intervention consisting of stopping piperacillin-tazobactam treatment at day 5 in cases of negative culture. IMPORTANCE Osteoarticular infections (OAI) remain challenging to diagnose and to treat. One of the issues concerns postoperative empirical antimicrobial therapy (EAT), which is usually a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics. This EAT is maintained up to 2 weeks, until the availability of the microbiological results (identification and drug susceptibility testing of the microorganisms responsible for the OAI). Our results provide new data that will help to improve OAI management, especially EAT. Indeed, we have shown that antibiotic stewardship intervention consisting of stopping the antibiotic targeting Gram-negative bacteria included in the EAT could be implemented in cases where culture is negative after 5 days of incubation. The benefits of such an antibiotic stewardship plan include improved patient outcomes, reduced adverse events (including Clostridioides difficile infection), improvement in rates of susceptibilities to targeted antibiotics, and optimization of resource utilization across the continuum of care.

Importance of Staphylococcus epidermidis findings in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of a full-term newborn: a case report

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRS) predominantly colonizes the skin and mucous membranes of humans and other animals. We describe the case of a male newborn of gestational age 39 weeks whose primary and repeated blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid samples isolated MRS. The choice and duration of antibiotic therapy were determined by the clinical presentation, infection parameters, and results of bacteriological analyses of blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained from the newborn on the day 5 of life. After 28 days of antibiotic therapy for sepsis accompanied by meningitis, the newborn was discharged home without sequelae.

Interspecies Regulation Between Staphylococcus caprae and Staphylococcus aureus Colonized on Healed Skin After Injury

Staphylococcus spp. colonize commensally on the human skin. Some commensal coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus are also involved in nosocomial infections. Bacteria were collected from skin healed from pressure injury (PI). After the collection time points, some patients suffered from recurrent PI (RPI). This study analyzed the characteristics of Staphylococcus spp. on healed skin before recurrence between healed skin that suffered from RPI within 6 weeks (RPI group) and healed skin that did not suffer within the duration (non-RPI group) by Staphylococcus spp.-specific sequencing. Of the seven patients in the RPI group, two were dominated by S. aureus and four by Staphylococcus caprae, coagulase-negative human commensal staphylococci in the RPI group. Using mouse models, both S. caprae and S. aureus, but not Staphylococcus epidermidis, colonized on skin healed from injury at significantly higher rates than normal skin. Although subcutaneous injection of S. caprae did not induce lesion formation, the bacterium exhibited high hemolytic activity on human red blood cells. Lesion formation by subcutaneous injection of S. aureus was significantly suppressed in the presence of S. caprae. The hemolytic activity of rabbit blood cells of S. aureus was suppressed by S. caprae, whereas the hemolytic activity of S. caprae was dramatically suppressed by S. aureus. Data indicated that each of the two Staphylococcus spp. suppresses the pathogenicity of the other and that the imbalance between the two is associated with RPI.

Characteristics and genome analysis of a novel bacteriophage IME1323_01, the first temperate bacteriophage induced from Staphylococcus caprae

Temperate phages play an important role in the evolution of bacteria. So far, lytic phages have been wildly reported, but there is still limited knowledge regarding temperate phages in the genome of pathogenic Staphylococcus caprae. Here we present the characteristics and genome analysis of a novel bacteriophage IME1323_01, which is the first isolated bacteriophage of S. caprae. The phage genome is a 44282-bp linear dsDNA molecule with a GC content of 34.18%, which is similar to its host. The genome of IME1323_01 is most closely related with that of temperate phage IME1318_01, whereas the homology coverage is just 34%. Genome and proteome analyses confirmed the lysogenic nature of phage IME1323_01, which encodes the typical lysogen-related proteins integrase, CI, Cro, and anti-repressor proteins. Genomic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that phage IME1323_01 is a newly discovered phage, which belongs to subfamily Azeredovirinae in the family Siphoviridae. The goal of this study is to increase our knowledge about the phages of S. caprae and expand our armamentarium against the escalating threat of pathogenic bacteria.

In vitro activity of dalbavancin against Gram-positive bacteria isolated from diabetic foot osteomyelitis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) represent a serious threat to public health because of their frequency and the severity of their consequences, i.e. osteomyelitis and amputation. The management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFOM) requires prolonged antibiotic therapy. In Western countries, Gram-positive bacteria are the most commonly encountered pathogens.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the in vitro activity of dalbavancin, a novel lipoglycopeptide with extended half-life, recently marketed in Europe for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, on a panel of Gram-positive bacteria responsible for DFOM.

METHODS

Dalbavancin activity was evaluated against a panel of Gram-positive bacterial strains isolated from bone biopsies performed by a trained surgeon among patients with suspected DFOM. MICs were determined using MIC Test Strips (Liofilchem) and confirmed with the EUCAST broth microdilution method. Three other antimicrobial agents (vancomycin, teicoplanin and ceftobiprole) were used as comparators.

RESULTS

Dalbavancin showed excellent activity against all Gram-positive bacterial strains tested, including one teicoplanin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis isolate. With MIC50 and MIC90 values of 0.047 and 0.094 mg/L, respectively, dalbavancin showed the most potent in vitro activity among antimicrobial agents tested.

CONCLUSIONS

With its efficacy, good tolerability and unique pharmacokinetic properties, dalbavancin appears to be a promising treatment for DFOM involving Gram-positive bacteria.

A Rare Case of Extremely Severe Heterotopic Ossification after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty due to Persistent Mild Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) can be a mild, persisting infection. Although heterotopic ossification (HO) is common following total hip arthroplasty (THA), the etiology of severe HO remains unclear. Herein, we describe a rare case of extremely severe HO after a PJI associated with a Staphylococcus caprae infection in a 78-year-old male patient. The patient had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus with no diabetic complications. The patient had no previous history of hip surgery, hip injury, or systemic bacterial infection. Immediately after the initial THA, he developed intermittent low-grade fever (37°C), which persisted for 3 months; consequently, he also reported mild hip pain during walking. He experienced a gradual decrease in hip range of motion within 5 years after the surgery, with progressive gait impairment. Two revision surgeries were required for the successful treatment of this difficult case. The patient's hip function improved, and the PJI was controlled following the second revision surgery. Based on the clinical course, CNS-caused PJI may lead to severe HO. This possibility warrants verification from an accumulated number of cases.

Virulence Factors in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have emerged as major pathogens in healthcare-associated facilities, being S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus and, more recently, S. lugdunensis, the most clinically relevant species. Despite being less virulent than the well-studied pathogen S. aureus, the number of CoNS strains sequenced is constantly increasing and, with that, the number of virulence factors identified in those strains. In this regard, biofilm formation is considered the most important. Besides virulence factors, the presence of several antibiotic-resistance genes identified in CoNS is worrisome and makes treatment very challenging. In this review, we analyzed the different aspects involved in CoNS virulence and their impact on health and food.

A rare lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis caused by staphylococcus caprae with initial misdiagnosis: case report and literature review

Background

Staphylococcus caprae (Sc) is an uncommon causative organism for human. Lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis (LPS) of Sc is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported. As far as we know, there is no specific literature on the diagnosis and treatment for LPS of Sc with L5 nerve root irritation.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old male patient complained of chronic low back pain for 10 years, acute worsening with radiating pain to left lower extremity over a month. Physical examination revealed tenderness point on his low back, 3/5 dorsiflexor strength in his left 1st toe and decreased sensation of pin prick over the left lateral shank and medial dorsal foot. The individual was initially misdiagnosed with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) without further examination in outpatient, which was then found to be LPS of Sc with L5 nerve root irritation after admission to our hospital. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of lumbar spine exhibited inflammation signal at L4-L5 level of the vertebral body and disc with hypointense on T1-weighted images (T1-WI) and hyperintense on T2-weighted images (T2-WI). The causative organism was confirmed by the culture of irrigation fluid obtained from L5 vertebrae by needle puncture. After systemic conservative treatment including using sensitive antimicrobial agents and immobilization, the rare infection was finally cured. The patient also showed a satisfactory recovery during the 36-month follow-up period.

Conclusions

Confirming the diagnosis and identifying the causative organism as soon as possible is the key point for the treatment of LPS. LPS of Sc causing nerve root irritation is rare but curable with early diagnosis and proper therapy. The culture of irrigation fluid obtained from vertebrae by needle puncture may be an effective and sensitive attempt for potential infection of spine to identify the causative organism at early stage of the disease.

Professional Athletes Are at Higher Risk of Septic Arthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Analysis of 4421 Consecutive Patients Including 265 Elite Athletes From the SANTI Study Group

BACKGROUND

Professional athletes are reported to be at greater risk of septic arthritis (SA) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) than the nonprofessional population. However, this finding has been controversial, and confusion has arisen in the literature owing to the underpowering of previous studies.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to report the differences in the rate of SA after ACLR in a large series of patients and to perform pooled data analysis including previously published studies. The hypothesis was that professional athletes have a significantly higher risk of SA than nonprofessional athletes.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients who underwent ACLR between January 2009 and July 2017 (with a minimum follow-up of 12 months) were considered for study eligibility. The rate of SA was determined, and multivariate analysis was used to evaluate potentially important risk factors, including participation in professional sport. Furthermore, a literature search was performed, and data were extracted from all identified relevant studies. A pooled data analysis was performed to determine differences in the risk of SA between professional and nonprofessional populations.

RESULTS

The current series comprised 4421 anterior cruciate ligament surgical procedures with 265 professional athletes. There were 15 cases of SA diagnosed over the study period (0.34%; 95% CI, 0.19%-0.56%). Ten cases occurred in professional athletes (3.8%; 95% CI, 1.82%-6.83%). The percentage of SA was 0.12% (95% CI, 0.04%-0.28%) in the nonprofessional population. Being a professional athlete was associated with a significantly increased risk of SA after ACLR (odds ratio, 21.038; 95% CI, 6.585-75.789; P < .0001). This finding was confirmed in the pooled data analysis comprising 11,416 patients including 1118 professional athletes (odds ratio, 5.03; 95% CI, 1.17-21.61).

CONCLUSION

Professional athletes are at greater risk of SA after ACLR than nonprofessional athletes. The results of previous studies may have been conflicting owing to underpowering. The current study confirms the elevated risk by using a large clinical series and pooled data analysis to avoid the limitations of previous studies.

Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Pathogenomics

Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are skin commensal bacteria. Besides their role in maintaining homeostasis, CoNS have emerged as major pathogens in nosocomial settings. Several studies have investigated the molecular basis for this emergence and identified multiple putative virulence factors with regards to Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity. In the last decade, numerous CoNS whole-genome sequences have been released, leading to the identification of numerous putative virulence factors. Koch’s postulates and the molecular rendition of these postulates, established by Stanley Falkow in 1988, do not explain the microbial pathogenicity of CoNS. However, whole-genome sequence data has shed new light on CoNS pathogenicity. In this review, we analyzed the contribution of genomics in defining CoNS virulence, focusing on the most frequent and pathogenic CoNS species: S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. saprophyticus, S. capitis, and S. lugdunensis.

Complete genome sequencing of three human clinical isolates of Staphylococcus caprae reveals virulence factors similar to those of S. epidermidis and S. capitis

Background

Staphylococcus caprae is an animal-associated bacterium regarded as part of goats’ microflora. Recently, S. caprae has been reported to cause human nosocomial infections such as bacteremia and bone and joint infections. However, the mechanisms responsible for the development of nosocomial infections remain largely unknown. Moreover, the complete genome sequence of S. caprae has not been determined.

Results

We determined the complete genome sequences of three methicillin-resistant S. caprae strains isolated from humans and compared these sequences with the genomes of S. epidermidis and S. capitis, both of which are closely related to S. caprae and are inhabitants of human skin capable of causing opportunistic infections. The genomes showed that S. caprae JMUB145, JMUB590, and JMUB898 strains contained circular chromosomes of 2,618,380, 2,629,173, and 2,598,513 bp, respectively. JMUB145 carried type V SCCmec, while JMUB590 and JMUB898 had type IVa SCCmec. A genome-wide phylogenetic SNP tree constructed using 83 complete genome sequences of 24 Staphylococcus species and 2 S. caprae draft genome sequences confirmed that S. caprae is most closely related to S. epidermidis and S. capitis. Comparative complete genome analysis of eight S. epidermidis, three S. capitis and three S. caprae strains revealed that they shared similar virulence factors represented by biofilm formation genes. These factors include wall teichoic acid synthesis genes, poly-gamma-DL-glutamic acid capsule synthesis genes, and other genes encoding nonproteinaceous adhesins. The 17 proteinases/adhesins and extracellular proteins known to be associated with biofilm formation in S. epidermidis were also conserved in these three species, and their biofilm formation could be detected in vitro. Moreover, two virulence-associated gene clusters, the type VII secretion system and capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis gene clusters, identified in S. aureus were present in S. caprae but not in S. epidermidis and S. capitis genomes.

Conclusion

The complete genome sequences of three methicillin-resistant S. caprae isolates from humans were determined for the first time. Comparative genome analysis revealed that S. caprae is closely related to S. epidermidis and S. capitis at the species level, especially in the ability to form biofilms, which may lead to increased virulence during the development of S. caprae infections.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5185-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Staphylococcus caprae: A Skin Commensal with Pathogenic Potential

Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae) is a catalase-positive, coagulase-negative organism that was first isolated from goat milk, and was later found to colonize healthy human skin, nails, and nasal mucosa. Rarely, this commensal organism can become pathogenic in humans. S. caprae has been implicated in a variety of human infections, with the highest incidence being in bone and joint infections. We describe a man who, after receiving facet joint injections for back pain, developed native vertebral discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis with phlegmon, and bilateral psoas abscesses, from which S. caprae was isolated.

Species and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of coagulase-negative staphylococci in periprosthetic joint infections

The objective was to evaluate the distribution of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) involved in periprosthetic-joint infections (PJIs) and to describe their susceptibility profile to antibiotics. We conducted a multicentre retrospective study in France, including 215 CNS PJIs between 2011 and 2015. CNS PJIs involved knees in 54% of the cases, hips in 39%, other sites in 7%. The distribution of the 215 strains was: Staphylococcus epidermidis 129 (60%), Staphylococcus capitis 24 (11%), Staphylococcus lugdunensis 21 (10%), Staphylococcus warneri 8 (4%), Staphylococcus hominis 7 (3%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus 7 (3%). More than half of the strains (52.1%) were resistant to methicillin, 40.9% to ofloxacin, 20% to rifampicin. The species most resistant to antibiotics were S. hominis, S. haemolyticus, S. epidermidis, with 69.7% of the strains resistant to methicillin and 30% simultaneously resistant to clindamycin, cotrimoxazole, ofloxacin and rifampicin. No strain was resistant to linezolid or daptomycin. In this study on CNS involved in PJIs, resistance to methicillin is greater than 50%. S. epidermidis is the most frequent and resistant species to antibiotics. Emerging species such S. lugdunensis, S. capitis and Staphylococcus caprae exhibit profiles more sensitive to antibiotics. The antibiotics most often active in vitro are linezolid and daptomycin.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Enterotoxin-Encoding Genes in Staphylococcus spp. Recovered from Kitchen Equipment from a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance and enterotoxin-encoding genes (EEGs) in Staphylococcus spp. recovered from equipment used to prepare hospital meals, in a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sixty samples were collected from semi-industrial equipment (one blender and one mixer) in the hospital's kitchen. Resistance genes and SCCmec types were detected by PCR. From the 40 isolates of Staphylococcus spp. identified, 8 were Staphylococcus aureus. Thirty-two (80%) Staphylococcus spp. isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. Resistance genetic determinants were detected: erm gene (Staphylococcus epidermidis [n = 2]; Staphylococcus hominis [n = 1]), mecA gene (S. epidermidis [n = 2]), and aa(6')-aph(2'') gene (Staphylococcus caprae [n = 1], S. epidermidis [n = 2], S. hominis [n = 1], Staphylococcus pausteri [n = 1], Staphylococcus simulans [n = 1], and Staphylococcus warneri [n = 1]). The presence of at least one EEG in 83% (n = 33) of the isolates was identified. Two strains of S. epidermidis were methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) and harboring SCCmec type IV. Staphylococcus spp. contaminated some hospital kitchen's equipment, indicating that hygiene procedures should be improved. Results also indicate that meals can be a vehicle to disseminate multiresistant Staphylococcus spp., including MRSE, and Staphylococcus with EEGs.

Staphylococcus caprae bacteraemia and native bone infection complicated by therapeutic failure and elevated MIC: a case report

Introduction.Staphylococcus caprae is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus that has been reported in several cases as a human pathogen. However, it has rarely been reported as pathogen in native bone. Furthermore, the reported MIC levels noted in the literature for vancomycin were <2 µg ml⁻¹making vancomycin a first line choice for infected patients.

Case presentation. We report a case of Staphylococcus caprae causing osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine and bacteraemia and resulting in sepsis and ultimately the demise of a patient despite appropriate prolonged antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion.Staphylococcus caprae has been reported as a human pathogen since 1983 when it was discovered. We report a case involving native bone infection which is rare in the absence of mechanical hardware. Furthermore, this strain had an elevated MIC for vancomycin which has not been reported in the literature.

Whole metagenome profiles of particulates collected from the International Space Station

BACKGROUND

The built environment of the International Space Station (ISS) is a highly specialized space in terms of both physical characteristics and habitation requirements. It is unique with respect to conditions of microgravity, exposure to space radiation, and increased carbon dioxide concentrations. Additionally, astronauts inhabit a large proportion of this environment. The microbial composition of ISS particulates has been reported; however, its functional genomics, which are pertinent due to potential impact of its constituents on human health and operational mission success, are not yet characterized.

METHODS

This study examined the whole metagenome of ISS microbes at both species- and gene-level resolution. Air filter and dust samples from the ISS were analyzed and compared to samples collected in a terrestrial cleanroom environment. Furthermore, metagenome mining was carried out to characterize dominant, virulent, and novel microorganisms. The whole genome sequences of select cultivable strains isolated from these samples were extracted from the metagenome and compared.

RESULTS

Species-level composition in the ISS was found to be largely dominated by Corynebacterium ihumii GD7, with overall microbial diversity being lower in the ISS relative to the cleanroom samples. When examining detection of microbial genes relevant to human health such as antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, it was found that a larger number of relevant gene categories were observed in the ISS relative to the cleanroom. Strain-level cross-sample comparisons were made for Corynebacterium, Bacillus, and Aspergillus showing possible distinctions in the dominant strain between samples.

CONCLUSION

Species-level analyses demonstrated distinct differences between the ISS and cleanroom samples, indicating that the cleanroom population is not necessarily reflective of space habitation environments. The overall population of viable microorganisms and the functional diversity inherent to this unique closed environment are of critical interest with respect to future space habitation. Observations and studies such as these will be important to evaluating the conditions required for long-term health of human occupants in such environments.

Prosthetic joint infection caused by Granulicatella adiacens: a case series and review of literature

Background

Bone and joint infection involving Granulicatella adiacens is rare, and mainly involved in cases of bacteremia and infectious endocarditis. Here we report three cases of prosthetic joint infection involving G. adiacens that were successfully treated with surgery and prolonged antimicrobial treatment. We also review the two cases of prosthetic joint infection involving G. adiacens that are reported in the literature.

Case presentation

Not all five cases of prosthetic joint infection caused by G. adiacens were associated with bacteremia or infectious endocarditis. Dental care before the onset of infection was observed in two cases. The median time delay between arthroplasty implantation and the onset of infection was of 4 years (ranging between 2 and 10 years). One of our cases was identified with 16srRNA gene sequencing, one case with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and one case with both techniques. Two literature cases were diagnosed by 16srRNA gene sequencing. All five cases were cured after surgery including a two-stage prosthesis exchange in three cases, a one-stage prosthesis exchange in one case, and debridement, antibiotics, irrigation, and retention of the prosthesis in one case, and prolonged antimicrobial treatment.

Conclusion

Prosthetic joint infection involving G. adiacens is probably often dismissed due to difficult culture or misdiagnosis, in particular in the cases of polymicrobial infection. Debridement, antibiotics, irrigation, and retention of the prosthesis associated with prolonged antimicrobial treatment (≥ 8 weeks) should be considered as a treatment strategy for prosthetic joint infection involving G. adiacens.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis: a neglected pathogen of infections involving fracture-fixation devices

PURPOSE

Cases of fracture-fixation device infection involving Staphylococcus lugdunensis are not frequent. The clinical characteristics and the choice of treatment strategies of these infections are not obviously known to date.

METHODS

We performed a review of fracture-fixation device infection involving S. lugdunensis managed by our centres.

RESULTS

Among the 38 cases of fracture-fixation device infection involving S. lugdunensis, 53% were located in the tibia. Most of our cases (87%) were chronic infections. Purulent discharge, which occurred in 79% of cases, was the most frequent clinical symptom, followed by pain in 63%, local inflammation in 55%, and fever in 37%. Bacteremia and severe sepsis occurred in 10% and 18% of cases, respectively. Four cases (10%) were treated exclusively with antimicrobial treatment alone. Thirty-four cases (89%) were treated with a combination of surgery with antimicrobial therapy including surgical debridement, antibiotics and osteosynthesis device retention in six cases (16%), and osteosynthesis device removal in 27 cases (71%). The mean length of antibiotic treatment was 119 days. The relapse rate was high that was not related to selection of resistant strains. Polymicrobial infection had no impact on clinical outcome. A combination of surgery with antimicrobial therapy was identified as a significant prognostic factor associated with remission (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

S. lugdunensis is probably involved in more infections than has been reported. Using appropriate microbiological methods laboratories should routinely identify the species of all coagulase-negative Staphylococci isolates involved in fracture-fixation device infection to better achieve the treatment strategies of fracture-fixation device infection involving S. lugdunensis.

Staphylococcus caprae native mitral valve infective endocarditis

Introduction:

Staphylococcus caprae is a rare cause of infective endocarditis. Here, we report a case involving the native mitral valve in the absence of an implantable cardiac electronic device.

Case presentation:

A 76-year-old man presented with a 2 week history of confusion and pyrexia. His past medical history included an open reduction and internal fixation of a humeral fracture 17 years previously, which remained non-united despite further revision 4 years later. There was no history of immunocompromise or farm-animal contact. Two sets of blood culture bottles, more than 12 h apart, were positive for S. caprae. Trans-thoracic echocardiography revealed a 1×1.2 cm vegetation on the mitral valve, with moderate mitral regurgitation. Due to ongoing confusion, he had a magnetic resonance imaging brain scan, which showed a subacute small vessel infarct consistent with a thromboembolic source. A humeral SPECT-CT (single-photon emission computerized tomography-computerized tomography) scan showed no clear evidence of acute osteomyelitis. Surgical vegetectomy and mitral-valve repair were considered to reduce the risk of further systemic embolism and progressive valve infection. However, the potential risks of surgery to this patient led to a decision to pursue a cure with antibiotic therapy alone. He remained well 3 months after discharge, with repeat echocardiography demonstrating a reduction in the size of the vegetation (0.9 cm).

Conclusion:

Management of this infection was challenging due to its rarity and its unclear progression, complicated by the dilemma surrounding surgical intervention in a patient with a complex medical background.

Clinical features and outcome of bone and joint infections with streptococcal involvement: 5-year experience of interregional reference centres in the south of France

Streptococcal bone and joint infections are less common than staphylococcal cases. Few studies have reported the cases with well-identified Streptococcus species. Their clinical features and prognosis are not clearly known to date. Moreover, no treatment regimen has yet been clarified. We reviewed the streptococcal bone and joint infection cases managed in our centres from January 2009 to December 2013. We described the epidemiology, clinical and microbiologic characteristics, treatment approach and outcome. Among the 93 cases, 83% of patients were men with a median age of 60 years, and 90% of patients had comorbidities or risk factors. Bacteraemia occurred in 14% of cases. Serious complications occurred in six patients, including severe sepsis (two cases) and infective endocarditis (two cases). Orthopaedic device infections were observed in 35% of cases, including 17 patients with internal osteosynthesis device infection, 14 with prosthetic joint infection and three with vertebral osteosynthesis device infection. The median time between orthopaedic device implantation and onset of infection was 447 days. Fourteen species of Streptococcus were identified, including 97 isolates using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and three isolates using molecular identification. The five most represented species included S. agalactiae (37%), S. dysgalactiae (12%), S. anginosus (11%), S. constellatus (10%) and S. pneumoniae (9%). Streptococci isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin, with the exception of one S. mitis isolate. Remission 1 year after the end of treatment was recorded in 83%. One patient died of infection; eight patients had infections that failed to respond to treatment; and seven patients experienced relapse. Twenty patients (22%) had an unfavourable functional outcome, including 19 amputations and one arthrodesis. Five significant prognostic factors associated with an unfavourable clinical outcome were identified, including peripheral neuropathy (p 0.009), peripheral arterial disease (p 0.019), diabetes mellitus (p 0.031), location in the femur (p 0.0036), location in the foot (p 0.0475), osteitis without an orthopaedic device (p 0.041) and infection caused by S. dysgalactiae (p 0.020). The rate of poor outcomes remains high despite the low number of Streptococcus isolates resistant to antibiotics. Some prognostic factors, such as the presence of S. dysgalactiae, are associated with an unfavourable clinical outcome. Antibiotic regimens of streptococcal bone and joint infections are not standardized and need to be further investigated.

Characterization of Staphylococcus caprae Clinical Isolates Involved in Human Bone and Joint Infections, Compared with Goat Mastitis Isolates

Staphylococcus caprae is an emerging microorganism in human bone and joint infections (BJI). The aim of this study is to describe the features of S. caprae isolates involved in BJI (H for human) compared with those of isolates recovered in goat mastitis (A for animal). Fourteen isolates of each origin were included. Identifications were performed using a Vitek 2 GP ID card, tuf gene sequencing, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) Vitek MS. Molecular typing was carried out using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and DiversiLab technology. The crystal violet method was used to determine biofilm-forming ability. Virulence factors were searched by PCR. Vitek MS technology provides an accurate identification for the two types of isolates compared to that of gold-standard sequencing (sensitivity, 96.4%), whereas the Vitek 2 GP ID card was more effective for H isolates. Molecular typing methods revealed two distinct lineages corresponding to the origin despite few overlaps: H and A. In our experimental conditions, no significant difference was observed in biofilm production ability between H and A isolates. Nine isolates (5 H isolates and 4 A isolates) behaved as weak producers while one A isolate was a strong producer. Concerning virulence factors, the autolysin atlC and the serine aspartate adhesin (sdrZ) genes were detected in 24 isolates (86%), whereas the lipase gene was always detected, except in one H isolate (96%). The ica operon was present in 23 isolates (82%). Fibrinogen-binding (fbe) or collagen-binding (cna) genes were not detected by using primers designed for Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis, even in low stringency conditions. Although S. caprae probably remains underestimated in human infections, further studies are needed to better understand the evolution and the adaptation of this species to its host.

Whole-Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus caprae Strain 9557, Isolated from Cerebrospinal Fluid

Staphylococcus caprae strain 9557 was isolated from a cerebrospinal fluid sample. The assembled genome contained 2,747,651-bp nucleotides with 33.34% GC content. Consistent with its phenotypic characteristics, the genome harbors a varying repertoire of putative virulence factors involved in invasion, survival, and growth in the host cells.