A 29-year-old woman developed an erythema at the insertion site of her intravenous line. Culture of the catheter tip indicates that a biofilm is present on the catheter. What is the most likely causative agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus epidermidis is noted for its ability to secrete biofilms and adhere to intravenous lines. Streptococcus mutans (a viridans streptococcus) is also noted for the production of a dextran biofilm; however, in this case it adheres these organisms to dental surfaces leading to dental plaque and caries.

A 29-Year-Old Woman Developed an Erythema at the Insertion Site