Slime producing Staphylococci from clinical specimens - a simple diagnostic test

Coagulase negative Staphylococci are now being increasingly recognised as pathogens. Some strains produce a viscous extracellular material or slime. These strains are uniquely adapted for adherence to even smooth surfaces. Present study is a preliminary report of 101 isolates of coagulase negative Staphylococci from different clinical specimens. Forty three of these 101 isolates (42.5%) were slime producers. The percentage of slime producing Staphylococci ranged from 20% in peritoneal fluid to 66.6% in Cerebrospinal fluid. The test for slime production may have an important application in deciding the pathogenecity of the strains of coagulase negative Staphylococci and should be done routinely in a diagnostic laboratory.