Haemagglutination by Staphylococcus Saprophyticus And Other Staphylococcal Species

Abstract

S. saprophyticus differed from S. epidermidis and S. aureus by its ability to agglutinate sheep erythrocytes. On testing 30 strains of each species, 28 strains of S. saprophyticus and 1 strain each of the other 2 species, caused agglutination. Twenty-eight of 30 strains of S. cohnii and S. xylosis failed to cause hemagglutination. The hemagglutinating activity of S. saprophyticus, when using a 10% bacterial suspension was demonstrated in dilutions of 1:2-1:32. It was reduced 2-fold, at most, when exposing the bacteria to 56.degree. C for 30 min, while no agglutination could be demonstrated after treatment for 10 min at 86.degree. C. No hemagglutination could be demonstrated after treatment of the bacteria with a 5% solution of trypsin. Treatment of S. saprophyticus with 0.1 M EDTA did not affect the hemagglutinating activity, whereas exposure of the bacteria to 10% trichloroacetic acid reduced the activity. The hemagglutination was D-mannose-resistant and it was inhibited by homologous rabbit antiserum. The agglutinates dispersed when heated at 45-56.degree. C for 30 min. A few of the strains of S. saprophyticus also tested agglutinated human, bovine and guinea pig erythrocytes.