EVALUATION OF THE COAGULASE TEST IN THE STUDY OF STAPHYLOCOCCI ASSOCIATED WITH FOOD POISONING

Abstract
Feeding tests with rhesus monkeys failed to demonstrate enterotoxin production by any of the 24 coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from foods suspected of causing food poisoning. Enterotoxin was produced by 4 out of 5 coagulase-positive strains isolated from wholesome frozen foods and by 5 out of 7 coagulase-positive strains isolated from disease processes in man.