Staphylococcus capitis: symptoms, contamination

Staphylococcus capitis symptoms contamination

Staphylococcus capitis is a bacterium naturally present on the skin. If it is not dangerous for healthy individuals, it can be pathogenic in immunocompromised subjects. Lighting with Pr Patrice Bourée, infectiologist and parasitologist.

Definition: what is staphylococcus capitis?

Staphylococci are bacteria naturally present on the human body, on the skin. Capitis staphylococci, including the two subspecies capitis and ureolyticus, are mainly present on the scalp. These cocci bacteria are germs belonging to the endemic flora, they are not dangerous when the person is healthy. But in the event of a drop in the immune system or the fitting of a prosthesis, they can become highly pathogenic and infect the individual.

“The transmission of staphylococcus capitis can be done by contact with the hands. But most of the time, we do not find the mode of contamination. Given the frequent and very little pathogenic nature of this germ, we do not usually look for the mode of contamination“, explains Professor Patrice Bourée, infectiologist and parasitologist.

What symptoms does a staph capitis infection cause?

Staphylococcus capitis is a very common bacterium that usually does not cause any particular symptoms in healthy subjects. In immunocompromised peoplestaphylococcus capitis can cause skin lesions.

Is Staphylococcus capitis contagious?

Staphylococcus capitis is not not contagious and non-pathogenic. It can nevertheless be dangerous in subjects who are very immunocompromised, i.e. those whose immune system is weakened and no longer able to defend itself against pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.). . The installation of a prosthesis also represents a risk factor.

What is the treatment for a staph capitis infection?

Treatment for Staphylococcus capitis infection is based on the use of antibiotics. An antibiogram is performed to determine the effective treatment for this strain of bacteria.

Are antibiotics effective against staphylococcus capitis?

In the majority of cases, the treatment is not necessary, except in the immunocompromised subject or the subject wearing a prosthesis (heart, joint or other). If necessary, the antibiotics are usually effective but justify an antibiogram, because there are strains resistant to various antibiotics, it is essential to rely on the antibiogram before prescribing an antibiotic“, indicates the infectiologist and parasitologist.

Thanks to Professor Patrice Bourée, infectiologist and parasitologist at the Alfred Fournier Institute.

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