[Coagulase negative staphylococci isolated on blood cultures]

Abstract

224 coagulase-negative strains of staphylococci (CNS) isolated from haemocultures of hospitalized patients were classified into 11 types. The most frequent one was S. epidermis (73.2%), S. haemolyticus (7.6%), S. lugdunensis (6.7%) and S. hominis (3.6%). In different strains virulence factors were assessed: production of mucus and delta toxin. Based on these properties the strains were classified into biotypes. Of 164 strains of S. epidermis mucus was produced by 64.6% and delta toxin by 75.0%. Of 17 strains of S. haemolyticus mucus was produced by 8 and delta toxin by 10 strains. Of 15 strains of S. lugdunensis 9 strains produced both virulence factors. Of 8 strains of S. hominis 5 strains produced mucus and 3 delta toxin. In strains S. capitis, S. sciuri, S. auricularis, S. caprae these factors were not detected. The most frequent biotypes were: subtype 3 (43.3%), 1a (26.8%) and 1b (10.3%). The sensitivity of CNS to 11 antibacterial substances was assessed quantitatively by estimating the MIC (mg/l). The most effective antibiotic was vancomycin (100%) and tetracycline (76.8%). Only 26.3% strains were sensitive to oxacillin and cefalotine. Of 224 CNS (70%) were resistant to more than 8 antibacterial substances.