Genomic Analysis of a Linezolid-Resistant Staphylococcus capitis Causing Bacteremia: Report from a University Hospital in Central Italy

Microb Drug Resist. 2023 Sep;29(9):388-391. doi: 10.1089/mdr.2022.0330. Epub 2023 May 24.

Abstract

Although coagulase negative staphylococci are rarely associated with complicated diseases, in some cases they cause life-threatening infections. Here we described a clinical case of a bacteremia due to a methicillin- and linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus capitis in a patient previously treated with linezolid. Whole genome sequencing revealed the common mutation G2576T in all rDNA 23S alleles and several acquired resistance genes. Moreover, the isolate was epidemiologically distant from the NRCS-A clade, usually responsible for nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units. Our findings further confirm the ability of minor staphylococci to acquire antibiotic resistances and challenge the treatment of these infections.

Keywords: Staphylococcus capitis; bacteremia; coagulase negative staphylococci; linezolid resistance.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteremia* / drug therapy
  • Coagulase / genetics
  • Genomics
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Linezolid / pharmacology
  • Linezolid / therapeutic use
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcus / genetics
  • Staphylococcus capitis*

Substances

  • Linezolid
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Coagulase