Kocuria spp

• K. kristinae
• K. marinae
• K. rhizophila
• K. rosea

Gram Stain

• Gram positive cocci in tetrads and clusters (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

These organisms are found in the environment and are considered saprophytes of skin and mucous membranes.

They can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients especially those with hematological malignancies or metabolic disorders (including diabetes).

They have been associated with catheter related peritonitis, catheter related bacteremia,  native/prosthetic valve endocarditis, sepsis (including febrile neutropenia), mediastinitis, brain and abdominal abscesses, cholecystitis, and wound/dermatologic infections.

Some species have also been implicated in ophthalmic infections including dacrocystitis, canaliculitis, and keratitis.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

These organisms are usually susceptible to beta-lactams  (resistance to ampicillin, cloxacillin, and cefazolin has been rarely described), macrolides, tetracyclines, rifampin, vancomycin, and linezolid.

Susceptibility to clindamycin and quinolones is variable.  

These organisms are resistant to nitrofurantoin.