Bacterium
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Coagulase-negative skin flora clue
STAFF-ih-lo-KOK-us EP-ih-der-MID-is
High-yield clue
Clusters + catalase positive + coagulase negative points away from S. aureus.
Overview
A coagulase-negative staphylococcus frequently used in study questions about normal skin flora and device-associated biofilm concepts.
Classification
- Gram-positive
- Cocci
- Clusters
- Coagulase-negative staphylococcus
Lab & identification clues
- Catalase positive
- Coagulase negative
- Novobiocin-sensitive distinction is commonly taught
Associations
- Skin flora
- Biofilm vocabulary
- Device-associated infection concepts in educational cases
Commonly confused with
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Frequently asked questions
What is Staphylococcus epidermidis?
A coagulase-negative staphylococcus frequently used in study questions about normal skin flora and device-associated biofilm concepts.
What is the Gram stain of Staphylococcus epidermidis?
Staphylococcus epidermidis is Gram positive.
What are the lab clues for Staphylococcus epidermidis?
Lab clues for Staphylococcus epidermidis include Catalase positive, Coagulase negative, and Novobiocin-sensitive distinction is commonly taught.
What is Staphylococcus epidermidis commonly confused with?
Staphylococcus epidermidis is commonly confused with Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Original student-study summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment, dosing, or specimen-handling guidance.