Septicemic shock from urinary tract infection caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Staphylococcus epidermidis septicemia from a urinary source is rare. Two male patients had septicemic shock caused by S epidermidis urinary tract infection. Both patients had recently had indwelling urethral catheterization during severe illness. Bacteremia due to S epidermidis may be life-threatening. Although most cases of S epidermidis bacteremia are associated with infected intravascular devices, other portals of entry should be considered in a debilitated patient.