Evaluation of a new bacteriophage set for typing of Staphylococcus epidermidis strains

A new set of typing phages was evaluated for typing 821 Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from normal human skin and from acne lesions. This method was compared with two different systems for biochemical differentiation of S. epidermidis. Distinct subgroups of cocci, which differed in phage susceptibility as well as in biochemical properties, were found. A tentative subdivision of S. epidermidis strains by use of 16 phages arranged into four groups is proposed, together with additional biochemical differentiation of non-typable strains.