Coagulase-negative staphylococcal sepsis in neonates. Association between antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation and the host inflammatory response.

Background: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most prevalent pathogens causing late onset sepsis in neonates. They are often multiresistant to antibiotics, and the ability to form biofilm is considered their main virulence determinant.

Methods: During a 12-year period, we identified 150 neonates having 164 suspected septic episodes with growth of CoNS in blood culture.