Which type of bacteria is Staphylococcus epidermidis?

Staphylococcus epidermidis is classified as coagulase negative bacteria. This is an important characteristic because coagulase is an enzyme that can affect bacterial pathogenicity. Staphylococcus epidermidis does not produce coagulase, which means it is less likely to cause disease compared to coagulase positive staphylococci, such as Staphylococcus aureus, which is known for its pathogenic potential.

Furthermore, Staphylococcus epidermidis is typically found on the skin and mucous membranes in humans and is often considered part of the normal flora. Its classification as coagulase negative indicates that while it is usually non-pathogenic, it can cause opportunistic infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or with implanted medical devices.

Although Staphylococcus epidermidis is also characterized as a Gram-positive cocci, the key distinguishing feature that defines its role in microbiology and reinforces its identification is its coagulase negative status. This specificity is crucial for understanding the organism's behavior in clinical contexts and differentiating it from other staphylococci that are more virulent.