Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Micrococcaceae”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Intergeneric and intrageneric inhibition between strains of Propionibacterium acnes and micrococcaceae, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis, isolated from normal skin and acne lesions.

Two hundred and forty-one strains or resident skin bacteria comprising 93 isolates of Propionob acterium acnes and 148 of Micrococcaceae derived from 36 acne patients and 8 control subjects were screened for their ability to inhibit 32 indicator strains, including 20 strains of P. acnes and 12 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis derived from patients with all grades of acne and from normal skin. Fifty-three strains (22%) showed some activity against at least one indicator strain. Both broad- and narrow-spectrum inhibition was detected. Inhibitory isolates of P. acnes outnumbered inhibitory Micrococcaceae by four to one. There was a low frequency of inhibition of S. epidermidis by Micrococcaceae (2.7%) and by P. acnes (1.1%) and a higher frequency of inhibition of P. acnes by Micrococcaceae (9.5%) and by P. acnes (40.8%). Furthermore, 81.8% of the subjects sampled possessed strains inhibitory to P. acnes. The significance of this finding is, as yet, unknown. No difference in the prevalence of active strains in normal (20%) and acne (22.5%) skin was detected. These findings suggest that the possession of inhibitory strains and conversely the possession of sensitive strains does not predispose to acne.

Acne Vulgaris

Investigation of Micrococcaceae in a department of cardiac surgery. Biochemical characterization and sensitivity patterns of strains isolated from patients, staff, and air.

A total of 965 strains of Micrococcaceae isolated from 200 patients, personnel, and air in a department of cardiac surgery were classified by means of Baird-Parker's scheme. The majority of strains were identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) biotype 1, but S. epidermidis biotype 4 accounted for c. 25% of isolates from patients post-operatively. Pre-operative isolates were generally sensitive to most antibiotics tested while post-operative strains of coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae from patients and isolates from personnel and air were frequently multiply-resistant. Strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were sensitive or resistant only to penicillin. More patients were colonized with coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae after operation than at admission to the hospital (p less than 0.001), while the frequency of S. aureus carriers was the same before and after operation and equal to the frequency found earlier. The frequency of S. aureus carriers among the personnel, however, was lower than reported earlier (10%). Multiply-resistant strains of S. epidermidis seem to have replaced resistant strains of S. aureus as the predominant hospital saprophyte among Micrococcaceae.

Air Microbiology

Etiologic importance of coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae isolated from blood cultures.

Coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae from blood cultures were classified biochemically according to Baird-Parker and to Kloos & Schleifer and by means of antibiotic susceptibility testing, in an attempt to distinguish between bacterial growth due to contamination and growth due to bacteremia. S. epidermidis biotype 1 (according to Baird-Parker) accounted for c. 60% of the isolates and for c. 85% of the isolates considered to be of clinical importance. The more time- and resource-demanding classification of Kloos & Schleifer provided no further clinically useful information, as the predominant number of isolates turned out to be S. epidermidis. Isolates other than S. epidermidis (according to Kloos & Schleifer) accounted for c. 45% of the total number of isolates but for only 20% of the isolates considered of clinical importance. Resistance to multiple antibiotics was recorded more often in isolates from patients with positive clinical information than in isolates thought to be contaminators. The frequency of blood cultures contaminated with coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae was estimated at c. 1.5%. Records from 91 patients were reviewed. By correlating the clinical findings to biochemical classification, resistance types, and the massiveness of growth it was suggested that the quantitative rather than the qualitative findings are suitable for determining clinical significance of isolates of coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae from blood cultures.

Coagulase

Identification of Micrococcaceae in clinical bacteriology.

The cellular morphology, identifying physiological characteristics, and a key to the human genera of Micrococcaceae are presented with flow charts for identification of aerobic and anaerobic isolates. These flow charts can be amended as desired, depending upon the degree of accuracy desired. Micrococcaceae isolates in a 350-bed private general hospital during a 15-week period are tabulated to show relative numbers of the different genera and species, with their probable relationship to infection or contamination. Only 11 of the 220 Micrococcaceae isolates were not Staphylococcus; no Sarcina or Peptococcus were isolated. Of the Staphylococcus isolates, 61% were S. epidermidis. Almost 18% of the S. aureus isolates were coagulase-negative. Of the S. aureus isolates, 80% of the coagulase-positive isolates were infecting agents, as were 67% of the coagulase-negative S. aureus isolates, compared to only 48% of S. epidermidis isolates. Two of four Gaffkya isolates but only one of seven Micrococcus isolates were infecting agents. If coagulase production is used as the sole criterion for speciation of staphylococci, and Micrococcus is not differentiated from Staphylococcus, the term "coagulase-negative staphylococci" does not differentiate three distinct levels of pathogenicity. Coagulase-negative S. aureus is more virulent than S. epidermidis or Gaffkya, which are more virulent than Micrococcus or Sarcina.

Bacteriological Techniques

Effects of egg yolk and salt on Micrococcaceae heat resistance.

The heat resistance and growth possibilities of various members of the Micrococcaceae in egg yolk and egg yolk with added salt were determined. Egg yolk alone protected members of the Micrococcaceae considerably against heat. Whereas in water Staphylococcus aureus S6 had a decimal reduction time (D) value of 66 s at 55 degrees C, its D value in egg yolk at the same temperature was 246 s. In salted egg yolk (water activity, 0.95), S. aureus S6 had a D value of 180 s at 66 degrees C and was largely inactivated during the pasteurization processes currently applied. Micrococcus saprophyticus and S. epidermidis (D value of each under the same conditions, 390 s) could survive such treatments to a certain extent and can thus spoil commercial egg yolk.

Egg Yolk

Micrococcaceae isolated from meat and dairy products (taxonomic study).

149 Micrococcaceae strains (35 reference strains and 114 strains isolated from meat and dairy products) have been studied using 61 biochemical microtests. Numerical taxonomy has distinguished two main biochemical groups which may be characterized by their varying ability to use heteroside compounds. -- A small number of biochemical tests in each group enable the differentiation of 17 taxa corresponding to diverse origins. The wild strains of Micrococcaceae found in foods are very different from reference strains in collections. -- With regard to the present study, it seems that a central biotype exists which may be represented by the taxa 13, 14, 15 and 16 in Fig. 1. -- Given this central biotype, various biochemical differences may be considered as ecological adaptability. Group I corresponds to meat orgin -- Taxa No. 1, 2, correspond to collection strains -- Taxon No. 12 corresponds to cheese origin -- Taxa No. 8, 9 and 10 correspond to milk origin.

Bacteriological Techniques

[Microorganisms of the fam. Micrococcaceae in the production and storage of prepackaged veal].

Studies were carried out on the numbers and composition of organisms belonging to family Micrococcaceae in the production and storing of calf meat on a dressing combine supplied with modern equipment. Investigated were a total of 60 samples taken from small cuts of veal of the various carcass parts. The samples were packed either under vacuum or without such, and were studied immediately after cutting in small parts or after storing for 48 and 72 hours at 4 to 6 degrees C. It was found that the amount of Micrococcaceae organisms on the surface of cut meat packed out or in vacuum was within the range of 10(3) up to 10(4)/g, and it was shown to be in close relation to the microbial contamination of the initial raw material. There was no rise of the numbers of micrococci and staphylococci of veal that was cut and packed out of vacuum and kept for 48 hours at 4 to 6 degrees C. At refrigerator storing of veal that was packed under vacuum there was no increase in the microbial numbers at the 72nd hour. This pointed to the advantage of using the introduced technology of packing the meat under vacuum. Micrococcus luteus (56.7%), Micrococcus varians (41.8%), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (1.5%) were isolated from cuts of veal packed both in and out of vacuum. No pathogenic staphylococci were found.

Animals

Characterization of Micrococcaceae isolated from post mortem examined pigs.

The investigation comprised 170 cases of infections due to Micrococcaceae among post mortem examined pigs that died during the preweaning period. The incidence was 3.1 promille of the live-born pigs. The infection was most frequent among pigs less than 4 weeks of age (Table I). ACute and subacute generalized infections occurred in 43.5% of the cases (Table II), and exudative epidermitis was the cause of death in 23.5%. In the remaining 32.9% of the cases, the post mortem findings included a variety of debilitating conditions, such as undersize, malformation, starvation or traumata. In all 248 strains of Micrococcaceae were isolated. A preliminary differentiation revealed 41.5% of the strains as Staphylococcus aureus and 34.5% as S. epidermidis and 22.6% as Micrococcus (Table III). A further characterization on 43 of the strains was performed (Table IV and V). Totally 19 different fermentation pattern were observed. In Table IV the strains are grouped into six groups. Fourteen strains were identified as S. aureus and 15 strains as S. epidermidis biotype 2, s. S. hyicus (Table VI). The distribution of the non-haemolytic strains according to biotypes is shown (Table VII). By this grouping, the 15 S. hyicus strains were designated type III B. It is concluded that various staphylococci may be isolated in pure culture from different pathological lesions in preweaned pigs. Biochemical characterization of the strains showed that part of the strains could not be classified by the previously described grouping systems.

Age Factors

Neutral lipids in the study of relationships of members of the family micrococcaceae.

The organisms studied were those of the family Micrococcaceae which cannot participate in genetic exchange with Micrococcus luteus and those whose biochemical and physiological characteristics appear to bridge the genera Staphylococcus and Micrococcus. The hydrocarbon compositions of M. luteus ATCC 4698 and Micrococcus sp. ATCC 398 were shown to be similar to those previously reported for many M. luteus strains, consisting of isomers of branched monoolefins in the range C25 to C31. However, Micrococcus sp. ATCC 398 differed somewhat by having almost all C29 isomers (approximately 88% of the hydrocarbon composition). Micrococcus spp. ATCC 401 and ATCC 146 and M. roseus strains ATCC 412, ATCC 416, and ATCC 516 contained the same type of hydrocarbon patterns, but the predominant hydrocarbons were within a lower distribution range (C23 to C27), similar to Micrococcus sp. ATCC 533 previously reported. The chromatographic profile and carbon range of the hydrocarbons of an atypical strain designated M. candicans ATCC 8456 differed significantly from the hydrocarbon pattern presented above. The hydrocarbons were identified as branched and normal olefins in the range C16 to C22. Studies of several different strains of staphylococci revealed that these organisms do not contain readily detectable amounts of aliphatic hydrocarbons. The members of the family Micrococcaceae have been divided into two major groups based on the presence or absence of hydrocarbons. With the exception of M. candicans ATCC 8456, this division corresponded to the separation of these organisms according to their deoxyribonucleic acid compositions.

Acetates

Use of lysostaphin in the isolation of highly polymerized deoxyribonucleic acid and in the taxonomy of aerobic Micrococcaceae.

By use of the staphylolytic enzyme lysostaphin, a method was devised for isolating and purifying highly polymerized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from lysostaphinsusceptible Micrococcaceae. Staphylococcus aureus DNA isolated by this procedure gave an estimated molecular weight of ca. 2 x 10(8) and a residual protein content of 2.3%. The mole percentage of guanine + cytosine (GC) present in the DNA from 21 strains of aerobic Micrococceae was determined by buoyant density in cesium chloride. DNA from 12 biochemically typical members of the genus Staphylococcus gave a mean GC composition of 35.2 +/- 0.5 mole per cent. Four biochemically atypical Staphylococcus strains and one biochemically typical strain of the genus Micrococcus (M. candicans) were found to be susceptible to lysostaphin and gave typical Staphylococcus spp. GC base ratios. One biochemically atypical member of the genus Micrococcus (M. varians) was not susceptible to lysostaphin and gave a typical Micrococcus spp. GC base ratio. Lysostaphin susceptibility is an easy test to perform, and the results of this test appear to correlate with GC base ratio studies of the genera of Micrococcaceae.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Acne vulgaris: an investigation into the number of anaerobic diphtheroids and members of the Micrococcaceae in normal and acne skin.

A quantitative study was made of the microflora of 174 acne and 68 non-acne subjects. Two groups of organisms were investigated, the anaerobic diphtheroids and members of the Micrococcaceae. The results showed high numbers of both groups of bacteria in skin bearing blackheads, papules or pustules and in non-acne adolescent skin. There were significantly lower numbers of bacteria in the pilosebaceous ducts of normal looking skin in acne areas and in pre-adolescent skin when compared with non-acne adolescent skin. It is suggested that increased numbers of bacteria alone do not predispose to acne, but that their interaction with the skin, which is a function of the localized skin environment, may be important.

Acne Vulgaris

Characterization of Micrococcaceae from the urinary tract.

Two hundred and seven urinary strains of staphylococci and micrococci were classified biochemically according to Baird-Parker (1963) and by means of a simplified schema. One hundred and thirteen strains belonged to Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermids or S. saprophyticus (64 strains) according to the simplified schema, respectively to Baird-Parker's sub-groups SI, SII or M3. S. saprophyticus was isolated from young, female out-patients, was relatively resistant to novobiocin and contained poly AbetaC (beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl ribitol teichoic acid and beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl glycerol teichoic acid). S. aureus and S. epidermidis were isolated from older, male in-patients, were sensitive to novobiocin and contained poly A (N-acetylglucosaminyl ribitol teichoic acid), respectively poly B (glucosyl glycerol teichoic acid). Ninety-four strains belonging to other Staphylococcus or Micrococcus subgroups could not be classified by the simplified schema. With few exceptions, these strains were sensitive to novobiocin and either gave a precipitin reaction corresponding to poly C or were non-typable with the teichoic acid reference systems used. The simplified schema is recommended for the classification of coagulase-negative strains of Micrococcaceae.

Acetylglucosamine

Comparison of four methods for differentiation of Staphylococcus aureus from other Micrococcaceae in the routine laboratory.

Four methods for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus (tube coagulase test, thermostable nuclease test, indirect agglutination of fibrinogen coated erythrocytes and a commercial latex kit: SeroSTAT Staphylococcus Test) have been compared. Clinical isolates (698) and 40 reference strains of Micrococcaceae were included in the study together with control organisms. The coagulase test gave no false positive results but 39/406 clinical isolates of S. aureus were negative at 2h and one half were only weakly positive. At 18 h, all but 2 of 406 isolates gave a positive reaction. The thermostable nuclease test was very specific; no clinical isolates of S. aureus gave negative results and no "coagulase-negative" clinical isolates gave a definite positive reaction. The indirect haemagglutination method was sometimes difficult to interpret and frequently gave negative or doubtful results for S. aureus. The SeroSTAT test was easy to use and interpret and was specific; the method is suitable for routine laboratory use, particularly when a rapid result is desirable.

Bacteriological Techniques

beta-lactamase production in coagulase-negative micrococcaceae.

A total of 8 penicillin-susceptible and 55 penicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae were investigated for their beta-lactamase production by one quantitative and three qualitative methods. Seven of the 8 penicillin-susceptible strains had no beta-lactamase production; one had a very low production. Among the 55 penicillin-resistant strains, 54 produced beta-lactamase (mean 63 units/mg bacteria). Methicillin/gentamicin-resistant strains produced less enzyme than strains susceptible to these antibiotics. The percentage extracellularity (mean 18%) was lower than in Staphylococcus aureus, whereas the induction ratio (mean 56) was higher. No significant difference between the different species could be observed, but 70% of the strains were Staphylococcus epidermidis. Among the 55 beta-lactamase producing strains, the microbiological clover-leaf method detected 51, the iodometric method 40 and the chromogenic cephalosporin method 38. None of the three qualitative methods gave any false positive reactions.

Coagulase

Characterization of Micrococcaceae strains isolated from the human urogenital tract by the conventional scheme and a micromethod.

Two hundred and twelve Micrococcaceae isolates were obtained from 82 men with nongonococcal urethritis, 24 women with vaginitis, and 54 girls with vulvovaginitis. Identification and biotyping of these strains were carried out by using the simplified scheme of Kloos and Schleifer (W. E. Kloos and K. H. Schleifer, J. Clin. Microbiol. 1:82-88, 1975) and the commercially available API Staph test (DMS Staph Trac). Staphylococcus epidermidis occurred in about half of these isolates. There was no statistical difference between the urethral and vaginal specimens, except for S. haemolyticus found primarily in males and for S. simulans and S. aureus found primarily in girls between the ages of 1 and 12 years. S. saprophyticus, a major cause of urinary tract infections in young women, was never isolated from the vagina, suggesting the probability of another reservoir.

Bacteriological Techniques

Characteristics of coagulase-negative staphylococci that help differentiate these species and other members of the family Micrococcaceae.

One hundred reference strains and 1,240 clinical isolates representing 26 species of the family Micrococcaceae were used to evaluate the potential of tests for synergistic hemolysis, adherence to glass, pyroglutamyl-beta-naphthylamide hydrolysis, and susceptibility to a set of five antimicrobial agents for differentiating these species and strains within the species. Sixty-eight percent of the clinical isolates exhibited synergistic hemolysis; 69% of the clinical staphylococci but none of the micrococci or stomatococci were adherence positive, and 92% of the strong positive adherence reactions were produced by strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Strains from 15 of the species were pyroglutamyl-beta-naphthylamide positive, but this test separated Staphylococcus xylosus from other novobiocin-resistant staphylococci and Staphylococcus intermedius from other coagulase-positive species. A polymyxin B disk helped differentiate S. epidermidis from most other coagulase-negative staphylococci, and a bacitracin disk (10 U) helped differentiate Staphylococcus haemolyticus from most other novobiocin-susceptible staphylococci. All strains that were susceptible to furazolidone and resistant to Taxo A disks (bacitracin, 0.04 U; BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) were staphylococci. We observed a 91% correlation between species identification obtained with the Staph-Ident system (Analytab Products, Plainview, N.Y.) and conventional methods; but the micrococci and stomatococci were incorrectly identified as staphylococci with Staph-Ident, and several isolates of S. epidermidis were misidentified as Staphylococcus hominis because they were alkaline phosphatase negative. Both these problems can be prevented by adding the simple tests we describe to those already recommended when the Staph-Ident system is used to identify isolates of gram-positive, catalase-positive cocci.

Bacitracin

A replica-plating method for the identification of Micrococcaceae.

A procedure of replica plating is described whereby all isolated colonies of Micrococcaceae can be identified with relative ease and rapidity. The method is as accurate as the recommended procedure, but permits a more complete and economical analysis of cutaneous flora in large-scale surveys. In this system, Baird-Parker carbohydrate medium was found somewhat superior to standard medium as was incubation at 35 degrees C instead of the customary 30 degrees C. Baird-Parker's broth medium for acetoin production yielded more positive results than did commercial medium, although the reactions were less distinct. However, an agar acetoin test medium was found as good or perhaps even better than Baird-Parker's medium. The classification schemes of Baird-Parker and Bergey's Manual were contrasted in the analysis of data.

Bacteriological Techniques

[Value of different diagnostic tests for Micrococcaceae and their implication in pathology].

A number of 1431 products were examined and 200 coagulase-negative micrococcaceae strains were isolated and identified. On the basis of morphological aspects, enzymatic reactions and behavioural testing to antibiotics 18 strains (9%) were listed as Micrococcus and 182 (91%) as Staphylococcus strains. Efficient among the tests used for differentiating between the two genera were : microscopic aspects, pigmentogenesis, resistance to ClNa, anaerobic glucose fermentation, glycerol fermentation in the presence of erythromycin, reduction of nitrates to nitrites, and testing to novobiocin. Other tests, due to their variability, could only be used conjointly, and, finally, a further category had no diagnostic value, such as oxidase and catalase tests or the rhamnose fermentation reaction. Both the Micrococcus and the Staphylococcus strains were isolated from pathological cases and from healthy carriers, and can therefore be listed in the group of potential pathogens.

Bacterial Infections