[Hyaluronidase test in the diagnosis of staphylococci]

Using the Streptococcus equi decapsulation test, 879 strains of S. aureus, 212 strains of S. intermedius and 214 coagulase-negative staphylococci were examined for hyaluronidase production; six of the coagulase-negative staphylococci belonged to S. hyicus subsp. hyicus. Positive hyaluronidase production was recorded in all strains of S. aureus and in the strains of S. hyicus subsp. hyicus. No hyaluronidase was produced by 208 coagulase-negative staphylococci and the strains of S. intermedius. The decapsulation test is recommended as a reliable method of the differentiation of S. aureus and S. intermedius.