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[Typing of skin staphylococci using the commercial identification system Staphy-Test]
Abstract:
The authors examined 150 strains of S. aureus and 180 strains of S. epidermidis isolated from different dermatoses. The determination of S. aureus and S. epidermidis was based on common routine tests as plasmacoagulase, production of hemolysin, acid production from mannitol and production of pigment. This determination was verified with the aid of a new identification system STAPHYtest. The STAPHYtest confirmed the previous diagnosis of S. aureus in 60.66% and that of S. epidermidis in 31.66% of strains only. The remaining strains were identified by means of STAPHYtest as S. simulans, S. xylosus, S. hominis, S. haemolyticus, S. warneri, S. auricularis, S. sciuri and Micrococcus sp. The authors discuss the importance of an curate identification of skin staphylococci by means of STAPHYtest for taxonomic purposes and for classification of staphylococci influence on different dermatoses.
Insights
Routine tests misidentified many Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. The STAPHYtest system provided more accurate identification of these skin bacteria, crucial for understanding dermatoses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Bacteriology
Context:
- Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are common skin bacteria.
- Accurate identification is vital for understanding their role in dermatoses.
- Traditional identification methods may lack precision.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the accuracy of routine diagnostic tests for S. aureus and S. epidermidis.
- To assess the performance of the STAPHYtest identification system.
- To compare traditional methods with a novel identification system.
Summary:
- 150 S. aureus and 180 S. epidermidis strains from dermatoses were initially identified using routine tests (coagulase, hemolysin, mannitol, pigment).
- The STAPHYtest system re-identified only 60.66% of S. aureus and 31.66% of S. epidermidis correctly.
- STAPHYtest identified remaining strains as other staphylococci (S. simulans, S. xylosus, etc.) and Micrococcus sp.
Impact:
- Highlights limitations of conventional methods in staphylococcal identification.
- Emphasizes the utility of STAPHYtest for accurate bacterial taxonomy.
- Underscores the importance of precise identification for classifying staphylococci in skin conditions.