Method

One hundred and four invasive S. epidermidis isolates were prospectively collected from patients with ODRI. Upon patient entry into the study, surgical parameters such as type of implant; open or closed fracture were documented. Personal characteristics were also documented and included: gender; age; body mass index (BMI); smoker/non-smoker; overall medical condition (Charlson comorbidity index); and chronic immunosuppressive conditions. Any revision surgeries involving the site of interest and all isolated pathogens were recorded throughout the course of treatment and follow-up. The clinical outcome after treatment was measured with a mean follow-up period (FUP) of 26 months, and each patient was then considered to have been “cured” or “not cured”. The isolates were tested for their antibiotic susceptibility and ability to form biofilm. Whole genome sequencing was performed on all isolates and genomic variation was related to features associated with “cured” and “not cured”.