Organism Spotlight: Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci—Contaminant or Pathogen?

Vastian Learning
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

: hour(s)

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Objectives

  • Describe the general laboratory characteristics of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS).
  • Identify important CoNS species associated with human infection.
  • Explain why CoNS are frequent blood culture contaminants.
  • Recognize clinical and laboratory findings that support true CoNS infection.
  • Describe important resistance mechanisms encountered among CoNS.
  • Recognize Staphylococcus lugdunensis as an important exception to the typical behavior of CoNS.

Course Outline

  • Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci—Contaminant or Pathogen?
    • Course Description
    • Meet the Organisms
    • Normal Flora and Contamination
    • When CoNS Become Pathogens
    • Why Are Devices So Important?
    • Contaminant or True Bloodstream Infection?
    • Important CoNS Species
    • Laboratory Identification
    • Antimicrobial Resistance
    • Diagnostic Pitfalls
    • Case Study: Contaminant or Pathogen?
    • Key Takeaways
    • References

Additional Information

This is a mini course designed to enhance learning and reinforce existing knowledge. It does not provide continuing education (CE) credit. The purpose of this course is to support ongoing professional development and review.