L’infezione da Stafilococco Epidermidis nella chirurgia protesica dell’anca.

The authors report their experience of infective complications in hip replacement surgery. Among the pathogens they underline the important role played by negative Staphylococcus coagulis and, in particular, Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is able to synthetise a mucopolysaccharide matrix known as 'slime'. By provoking a reduction in bactericidal activity this creates a film (biofilm) on the bone-prosthesis and/or bone-cement interface which facilitates the loosening of prosthetic components.