| Description | Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a gram-positive, spherical-shaped microbe that thrives in a temperature range of 25-40°C, falling within the mesophilic category. As a heterotroph, it derives its energy from organic compounds, using a facultative anaerobic metabolism to produce ATP. Specifically, it resorts to fermentation and anaerobic respiration in the absence of oxygen, while it also grows well in aerobic conditions. Notably, this microbe is found on all body sites, including skin, mucous membranes, and soft tissues, across all possible species. Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-positive species, meaning it produces a protein that binds to fibrinogen, aiding in the formation of blood clots. This property contributes to its ability to cause endocarditis, septic arthritis, and other invasive diseases. The microbe's spherical shape and gram-positive staining facilitate its visualization under the microscope. Its optochin sensitivity and lack of catalase production also serve as diagnostic markers. In terms of oxygen preference, S. lugdunensis exhibits facultative anaerobiism, meaning it can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. However, it tends to thrive in the presence of oxygen, where it can utilize aerobic respiration for energy production. Notably, S. lugdunensis is often misidentified as S. aureus due to its similar morphology and biochemical characteristics. However, the two species can be distinguished through molecular methods, such as PCR or DNA sequencing. Research has also focused on the microbe's ability to form biofilms, which play a crucial role in its pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance. |
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