Staphylococcus schleiferi

Gram Stain

• Gram positive cocci in clusters (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism is part of the normal skin flora of dogs where it causes otitis externa and pyoderma.

It has been associated with opportunistic infections in humans including skin/soft tissue infections, endocarditis, medical device related infections, osteomyelitis, and bacteremia.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

Cloxacillin resistance is significant.

Susceptibility to clindamycin is variable.

This organism is typically susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid.