Staphylococcus lugdunensis

Gram Stain

• Gram positive cocci in clusters (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism is part of commensal skin flora, preferentially colonizing the groin, perineal area, toes, and axilla.

It possesses virulence factors similar to S. aureus and has been associated with bacteremia, septicemia (including toxic shock syndrome), skin and soft tissue infections (abscesses, wound infections - especially post-surgical wounds involving the groin area, cellulitis- including orbital cellulitis), bone and joint infections (including vertebral osteomyelitis), endophthalmitis, medical  device related infections, native/prosthetic valve endocarditis, and urinary tract infections.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

This organism is typically susceptible to cloxacillin, clindamycin, and TMP/SMX.

Vancomycin tolerance is relatively common resulting in poorer clinical outcomes, despite testing as susceptible.

Note: Despite susceptibility to cloxacillin, surgical intervention is usually required for endocarditis.