SLIME FORMATION AS A MARKER OF SERIOUS INFECTION WITH METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS

Strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are pote ntial pathogens in patients undergoing major surgery and in patients w ho are immunocompromised. Some MRSA produce a viscous extracellular sl ime that may interfere with immune function. In this study, slime form ation hy MRSA was examined in Gases of nosocomial infection by this pa thogen at a single hospital. The antibacterial resistance, phage and e nterotoxin characteristics of strains isolated from patients with fata l infections were determined. MRSA strains were classified as those as sociated with fatal infection; causing progressive infection, causing superficial infection; and those isolated from the nasal cavity of the health-care professionals as a control group. The incidence of slime formation was highest in the MRSA associated with fatal infection. The incidence of slime formation in the control group was significantly l ower than that in the other groups. Results suggest that slime formati on by MRSA may be associated with a more severe infection. Rapid ident ification of slime-forming MRSA may facilitate the initiation of appro priate treatment and improve the patient's prognosis.