Staphylococcal dermonecrotic reactions in guinea pigs

The aim of this study was to compare the dermonecrotic reactions caused by staphylococci. A total of 40 previously biochemically characterized strains of the cocci were used. The organisms were injected intracutaneously into guinea pigs and then dermonecrotic reactions at 24, 48 and 72 h were observed and statistically analysed. From the mathematical point of view the data from experiment were not exhaustive, so it was impossible to use one of the standard methods of statistical analysis. A specially written program for this study was used in statistical analysis. All tested strains of staphylococci had the capacity to induce early or late skin reactions in guinea pigs. Their activity did not seem to be directly related to any of properties of coagulase-positive staphylococci of Staphylococcus aureus genus. Also the immunological aspects of skin reactions in guinea pigs are discussed.