Staphylococcus simulans septicemia in a patient with chronic osteomyelitis and pyarthrosis

Staphylococcus simulans was identified as the etiological agent of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in an adult male who had sustained a fracture of the fibula and syndesmosis separation which required the installation of orthopedic hardware. Identifying characteristics and antibiograms for this organism, recovered from blood, wound exudate, and deep tissue samples, were determined. Recent evidence has linked slime production (adherence to smooth surfaces) by coagulase-negative staphylococci to infections by these organisms at sites where foreign bodies had been inserted. Tests for adherence showed that S. simulans strain to be a strong slime producer. This is the first reported case of osteomyelitis and septicemia due to S. simulans.