Although the clinical significance of CoNS isolated in culture can be difficult to determine, members of this species have been associated with increasing numbers of hospital-acquired infections. Although there are about 20 CoNS species, they often are considered to be a single group.
Some species are more resistant to commonly used antimicrobial agents than others.
Identification to species level can aid in the recognition of outbreaks and in tracking resistance trends. S. epidermidis is the most common CoNS isolated in clinical laboratories. Usually, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus , and S. hominis are more likely to be multiply resistant to antimicrobial agents than are other CoNS species. However, resistance patterns of CoNS may differ between hospitals and wards. Limited treatment options .