Characterization of non-typable strains of Staphylococcus aureus from cases of hospital infection.
A high percentage of non-typable (NT) Staphylococcus aureus strains was isolated in Spanish hospitals during 1984 and 1985. Several alternative methods of typing were employed to study these isolates. These were: phage-typing at 1000 X RTD, phage-typing after heat-treatment (48 degrees C), thermal shock (56 degrees C), reverse-typing and induction of additional phages. Using these methods the number of NT isolates was reduced by 60%. Best results were obtained with heat-treatment. Additional phages and reverse-typing were also useful. A scheme for the study of outbreaks and sporadic cases caused by NT strains is proposed using the methods described.
D001434:Bacteriophage Typing; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000145:classification*