Differentiating Ocular Pathogenic Staphylococcus epidermidis Isolates Using a Human Corneal Epithelial Cell Coculture Model.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To develop an in vitro human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) coculture model for differentiating pathogenic from nonpathogenic ocular Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates.

Methods

HCECs were cocultured with S. epidermidis strains (104-108 CFU/mL) for 12 to 72 hours. Cell viability was assessed using calcein AM staining. Seventeen strains were evaluated in this model and validated in mouse keratitis models. Cytotoxicity profiles of pathogenic versus nonpathogenic strains were compared, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate HCEC viability as a predictor of pathogenicity.

Results

A 24-hour HCEC coculture assay reliably quantified bacterial cytotoxicity across concentrations. In vivo, 12 of 17 strains (70.6%) were pathogenic in mou

SUBMITTER: Chen Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12633770 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature