SLIME PRODUCTION, ADHERENCE AND HYDROPHOBICITY IN COAGULASE-NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI CAUSING PERITONITIS IN PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS

Attachment of coagulase-negative staphylococci to plastic surfaces by means of hydrophobic interaction and slime production may be important in producing catheter associated infections. In continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the relationship between these properties and disease is unclear and the effect of dialysate fluid is not consi dered. For a collection of coagulase-negative staphylococci from CAPD patients, slime production and adherence were measured by colorimetric methods and hydrophobicity was determined by autoaggregation in ammon ium sulphate solution. Comparison of 73 nasal isolates with 69 isolate s from peritonitis showed no significant differences with respect to t hree properties, with the exception of a greater adherence of peritone al isolates in dialysate because of a greater proportion of staphyloco ccal species other than Staphylococcus epidermidis. Fewer strains show ed adherence in dialysate (12/142 8.5%) than in broth (94/142 66%) but the proportion of strains producing slime was similar. The milieu of the bacteria rather than the organisms themselves may be of greater im portance in the establishment of infection.