Staphylococcus epidermidis strain ATCC 14990

Staphylococcus epidermidis strain ATCC 14990 is a Gram-positive, cocci-shaped bacterium that typically forms clusters or singles. This strain is classified as a facultative anaerobe, indicating its ability to grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It is non-motile and does not possess flagella, which is consistent with its lifestyle as a free-living organism found primarily in host-associated environments. The optimal growth temperature for S. epidermidis ATCC 14990 is 30°C, and it falls within the mesophilic temperature range. This bacterium has a single replicon and a single membrane, which are characteristic features of its cellular structure. S. epidermidis ATCC 14990 is known to have a biotic relationship with various hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), Bos taurus (cattle), Phocidae (seals), and Equidae (horses). This strain is notable for its clinical significance, as it is associated with various health effects, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), peritonitis, bloodstream infections, late-onset sepsis, pyelonephritis, prosthetic valve endocarditis, central venous catheter infections, cerebrospinal fluid shunt meningitis, acute bacterial meningitis, infections of implanted cardiac devices, and biomaterial-associated infections. The presence of S. epidermidis in various host species highlights its ecological role as a commensal organism that can become pathogenic under certain conditions, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those with medical implants. This dual nature underscores the importance of understanding the behavior and potential risks associated with S. epidermidis in clinical settings.