Staphylococcus sciuri belongs to the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) group. Since it thrives in diverse environments, scientists isolate it from animals, soil, and water. Moreover, it colonizes the skin and mucosal surfaces of both humans and animals. Although it usually remains harmless, it sometimes causes opportunistic infections. Because of its adaptability, researchers study it as a potential reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes. Furthermore, it exhibits multidrug resistance, making treatment more challenging. For this reason, health professionals closely monitor its spread. In addition, it plays a role in zoonotic transmission, transferring resistant strains between animals and humans. Overall, S. sciuri holds significance in microbiology, infectious diseases, and antibiotic resistance research.
Staphylococcus sciuri appears as a Gram-positive cocci, forming clusters under a microscope. Since it lacks spores, it remains non-spore-forming. Moreover, it does not exhibit motility. Typically, its colonies look round, smooth, and slightly convex. On culture media, it produces yellow, white, or gray colonies. Because it grows facultatively anaerobically, it survives in oxygen-rich and low-oxygen environments. Furthermore, it tests catalase-positive but coagulase-negative. As a result, it differs from Staphylococcus aureus, which tests coagulase-positive. Since it lacks hemolysin in some strains, it shows variable hemolysis on blood agar. In particular, some isolates exhibit β-hemolysis.
Staphylococcus sciuri remains an opportunistic pathogen in both humans and animals. Although it usually exists as a commensal, it sometimes causes infections. Moreover, researchers have linked it to urinary tract infections, wound infections, and bloodstream infections. Because it carries antimicrobial resistance genes, it poses a challenge in clinical treatment. In particular, methicillin-resistant strains complicate antibiotic therapy. Furthermore, it contributes to infections in livestock, affecting animal health. Thus, its role in zoonotic transmission requires further investigation. Since it forms biofilms on medical devices, it increases the risk of persistent infections.
Doctors diagnose Staphylococcus sciuri using microbiological, biochemical, and molecular methods. First, they collect specimens from urine, wounds, or blood. Then, they culture the samples on blood agar and mannitol salt agar. Since S. sciuri does not ferment mannitol, its colonies remain unchanged. Moreover, it produces yellow, white, or gray colonies with smooth surfaces. Microscopically, S. sciuri appears as a Gram-positive cocci in clusters. Because it lacks coagulase activity, it tests coagulase-negative. Furthermore, it shows catalase positivity, differentiating it from Streptococcus species. In addition, oxidase activity varies among strains. For precise identification, doctors use automated systems like VITEK or MALDI-TOF. Molecular methods confirm S. sciuri through 16S rRNA sequencing or PCR-based detection. Since some strains carry methicillin resistance genes, antibiotic susceptibility testing remains essential.
Doctors treat Staphylococcus sciuri infections based on antibiotic susceptibility results. Since many strains show resistance, susceptibility testing remains essential. Typically, beta-lactam antibiotics fail due to methicillin resistance. Therefore, vancomycin or linezolid becomes the preferred choice for severe infections. Moreover, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones may work in some cases. Because improper antibiotic use increases resistance, physicians prescribe targeted therapy. For mild infections, clinicians sometimes recommend clindamycin or doxycycline. However, self-medication worsens resistance, requiring professional guidance. In particular, patients with device-associated infections need biofilm-targeted therapies. Thus, combination therapy may improve treatment outcomes.