Staphylococcus epidermidis is a gram positive saprophagous bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus, that is present on human skin and mucosa.
Colonies of Staphylococcus epidermidis are tipically small and white or yellowish-white. The microorganism is coagulase-begative and sensitive to desferroxamin, which can be used to differentiate between species of Staphylococci.
In addition to its presence on skin an muscosa Staphylococcus epidermidis can also be found on food and polymer surfaces. The bacteria produce a mucous film that promotes their adhesion.
Picture: Michael Otto, Ph.D.
