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Staphylococcus capitis

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Microbiology

Staphylococcus capitis is a bacterium that colonizes the skin, scalp, face and neck. Staphylococcus capitis typically colonises the skin of the head (especially the ears and forehead), arms, and, sometimes, legs. According to one study, head and arm populations of S. capitis persisted over the course of one year in 20% of individuals. Staphylococcus capitis species has two subspecies: subsp. urealyticus, and subsp. capitis; both may become pathogenic in humans. During antibiotic therapy, the former (but not the latter) expands its distribution beyond the head.

Morphology

Staphylococcus capitis was originally detected in human skin in 1975 and categorized as a coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) species. Staphylococcus capitis bacteria preferentially dwell on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Warm-blooded creatures provide a very conducive environment for bacteria to grow, since the ideal temperature for bacteria to thrive is between 30 and 37 degrees Celsius. They are tolerated by the human immune system when applied to the skin. Because of their inept behavior, they must be translated. Bacteria are spherical cells 0.5 to 1.5 μm in diameter, not rod-shaped. Staphylococci are incapable of active movement and are organized singly, in pairs, or in grape-like clusters. All staphylococci develop anaerobically on one side. That is, they can metabolize even when there is no oxygen present. However, when oxygen is available in their surroundings, their metabolism becomes active. Staphylococcus capitis TE8 was isolated from the skin surface of a healthy adult foot and found to have potent antibacterial action against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus is a gram-positive bacterial spherule. Some staphylococci are capable of producing free coagulase. Thus, that is used to differentiate Staphylococcus species. In this context, a distinction is made in species between coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Staphylococcus capitis is a species in the genus that is positive for staph coagulase.

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