What is staphylobacilli?

Staphylobacilli are gram-positive bacteria that are rod-shaped. They belong to the family Staphylococcaceae and are commonly found in soil, water, and on the skin of animals and humans. Staphylobacilli are non-motile, facultative anaerobic, and catalase-positive organisms. They usually form clusters or chains of cells and are known for their ability to produce enzymes such as lipase and protease.

Staphylobacilli are not considered to be common human pathogens, but they can occasionally cause infections such as skin infections, urinary tract infections, and occasionally severe infections like bacteremia and endocarditis. They are also known to produce biofilms, which can make them more resistant to antibiotics and immune responses.

Staphylobacilli are generally resistant to penicillin and narrow-spectrum cephalosporins, but they are usually susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and broad-spectrum antibiotics such as carbapenems. Differentiation among different species of Staphylobacilli can be achieved by performing tests like catalase activity, coagulase activity, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.