Speciation and Antibiogram of Clinically Significant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci

Background: Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), once considered as non-pathogenic commensal of skin and mucus membrane have emerged as important pathogen. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine species of CoNS and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of species obtained from various clinical specimens. Materials and Methods: A total of 79 Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from various clinical specimens during the study period. After confirming the isolates as CONS, species-level identification was performed by simple, non-expensive conventional methods and antibiotic sensitivity testing was also performed by Kirby –Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Maximum number of CoNS were isolated from blood samples followed by urine samples. S.epidermidis was the predominant isolate from most of the clinical specimens. Majority of the CONS species were sensitive to amikacin followed by gentamicin. Least sensitivity was shown towards Ampicillin and Amoxycillin. All CoNS species remained susceptible to Teicoplanin and Vancomycin. Conclusion: Coagulase negative Staphylococci have emerged as potential pathogens which were earlier considered as commensals. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of CoNS against antibacterial agents revealed maximum resistance. Hence, there is a need to adopt simple, reliable and non-expensive methods for identifying and determining the antibiotic sensitivity of CONS.