CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROCOCCACEAE FROM THE URINARY TRACT

Abstract

Two hundred and seven urinary strains of staphylococci and micrococci were classified biochemically according to Baird‐Parker (1963) and by means of a simplified schema. One hundred and thirteen strains belonged to Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis or S. saprophyticus (64 strains) according to the simplified schema, respectively to Baird‐Parker's subgroups SI, SII or M3. S. saprophyticus was isolated from young, female out‐patients, was relatively resistant to novobiocin and contained poly AβC (β‐N‐acetylglucosaminyl ribitol teichoic acid and β‐N‐acetylglucosaminyl glycerol teichoic acid). S. aureus and S. epidermidis were isolated from older, male in‐patients, were sensitive to novobiocin and contained poly A (N‐acetylglucosaminyl ribitol teichoic acid), respectively poly B (glucosyl glycerol teichoic acid). Ninety‐four strains belonging to other Staphylococcus or Micrococcus subgroups could not be classified by the simplified schema. With few exceptions, these strains were sensitive to novobiocin and either gave a precipitin reaction corresponding to poly C or were non‐typable with the teichoic acid reference systems used. The simplified schema is recommended for the classification of coagulase‐negative strains of Micrococcaceae.