SPECIATION OF COAGULASE NEGATIVE STAHYLOCOCCI FROM CLINICAL SAMPLESMOHAN S., KAVITHA Y., SHAIK KHAJA MOINUDDIN AND ANANDI V.Abstract The main objective of the study to speciate Coagulase negative staphylococci and to determine antibiotic susceptibility from various clinical specimens. A total of 175 clinically significant Coagulase negative Staphylococci were isolated from clinical specimens. CoNS were defined based on colony morphology, Gram staining, positive catalase reaction, and the absence of tube coagulase test. Isolated CoNS were subjected to biochemical tests to speciate. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was performed by Kirby-Bauerâs Disk diffusion method. Pus was the specimen yielded higher number of CONS and accounted for 47 (26%) followed by blood 41 (23%). Among isolated CONS, Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be more and accounted for 44.58%. Methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCONS) were often isolated from pus (44%) and blood (43%) specimens followed by sputum (36%). The present study indicated that, Coagulase negative Staphylococci were found to be pathogenic and produced signs and symptoms of infection. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted early to prevent further complications of infection. |