ON THE DIAGNOSIS OF COAGULASE‐NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI WITH EMPHASIS ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS SAPROPHYTICUS

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Abstract
This study concerns the diagnosis of coagulase-negative staphylococci, with special emphasis on novobiocin-resistant species, S. saprophyticus, S. cohnii and S. xylosus. Disk diffusion tests for novobiocin were useful in the differential diagnosis of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from urine specimens, but not from pus and blood cultures of patients. The resistance of S. saprophyticus to nalidixic acid was reported, and the use of this characteristic in the diagnosis of coagulase-negative staphylococci known to be novobiocin-sensitive, but which have subsequently acquired resistance to novobiocin was discussed. The results of different tests for .beta. actamase production in S. saprophyticus are presented. Clover leaf tests suggested such a production in about half of the strains studied, while no strain produced .beta. lactamase as indicated by tests using chromogenic cephalosporin or benzylpenicillin in capillary tube tests. The failure of tests fornitrate reduction, glucose consumption and of cultures of urine on MacConkey''s agar in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections caused by S. saprophyticus, is documented. The concept significant bacteriuria in the diagnosis of S. saprophyticus infections of the urinary tract above the bladder neck is also considered.

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