Diversity, Genomics and Antimicrobial Resistance of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus: A Literature Review

Members of the gram-positive bacterial genus Staphylococcus have historically been classified into coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CoPS) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS). This classification is based on the ability of clotting of plasma by the coagulase enzyme, which converts fibrinogen to fibrin. CoNS species are ubiquitous commensals that frequently colonize the skin and mucosal surfaces. They are also opportunistic pathogens implicated in many human and animal infections. The evolutionary history of CoNS has generally been overlooked because of the historical lack of recognition for their clinical importance and poor taxonomic sampling. They are often perceived as being less or non-pathogenic, especially compared to the more widely studied coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Part 1 of this thesis describes the taxonomy and characteristics of CoNS. Part 2 summarizes the genomic features of some CoNS species, focusing on horizontal gene transfer. Part 3 discusses the clinically relevant features such as antimicrobial resistance and virulence in CoNS. I emphasize the need to carry out comparative and population genomic investigations of CoNS, which offer unprecedented resolution in understanding their host adaptation, pathogenicity and response to clinical interventions.