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New method for detecting slime production by coagulase negative staphylococci
D J Freeman1, F R Falkiner, C T Keane
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Eire.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 1, 1989
Summary
A new Congo red agar method effectively detects slime production in coagulase-negative staphylococci, offering a rapid and reliable alternative to the Christensen method for clinical isolates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Slime production by coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) is a significant virulence factor.
- Accurate detection of slime is crucial for diagnosing CoNS-related infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an alternative Congo red agar method for detecting slime production in CoNS.
- To compare its performance against the established Christensen method.
Main Methods:
- 124 CoNS isolates from various clinical sources were tested.
- Slime production was assessed using both the Congo red agar and Christensen methods.
Main Results:
- Complete agreement between methods was observed in 107 out of 124 tests.
- The Congo red method identified one strain as positive that was negative by the Christensen method.
- The Congo red method demonstrated rapidity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
Conclusions:
- The Congo red agar method is a viable, sensitive, and reproducible alternative for detecting CoNS slime production.
- This method offers advantages over the Christensen method, including colony viability and reduced media variability.