Adherence of slime-producing strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis to smooth surfaces.

摘要: Slime production is not a generally recognized feature of Staphylococcus epidermidis. In recent outbreak S. epidermidis intravascular catheter-associated sepsis, we noted that 63% clinically implicated strains grew as slimy film coating the culture tube walls when propagated in tryptic soy broth. Only 37% randomly collected blood contaminants and skin isolates demonstrated similar phenomenon (p less than 0.05). Transmission electron micrographs these bacteria showed them to be encased an extracellular matrix stained with alcian blue. was most evident autoclaved media containing Casamino Acids glucose supplementation (0.25% wt/vol). There were strain preparation variability slime presence other carbohydrates. Some able produce under any tested conditions. The or nonproduction did influence growth rate. When grown vitro, producers accumulated on surface catheters macrocolonies, whereas non-slime, not. scanning adhesive layer catheter surface, nonproducers encased. These results suggest slime-mediated adherence may critical factor pathogenesis infections medical devices.