DNA base composition of coagulase-negative staphylococci associated with urinary tract infection

Coagulase-negative staphylococci and micrococci in urinary tract infections

One hundred catalase-positive, coagulase-negative, Gram-positive cocci isolated in significant numbers from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections, provisionally subdivided by their sensitivity to nonoviocin, were classified according to a slightly model version of Baird-Parker's schemes (1965 and 1972). It appeared that strains of Micrococcus were nearly all of sub-group 3, and that these were important pathogens of young women presenting with urinary infections in general practice. All such strains were resistant to novobiocin. Strains of staphylococcus were heterogeneous, and were found principally in infections arising in hospital, among older prople. Most staphylococci were sensitive to novobiocin. It is suggested that it is easy and sufficiently accurate to separate staphylococci and micrococci isolated from cases of urinary tract infection on the basis of their sensitivity or resistance to novo-biocin. The distinction is useful because of its therapeutic and epidemiological significance.

Gram-positive, motile, cluster-forming cocci as a cause of urinary infection

One hundred and thirteen strains of motile, Gram-positive, catalase-positive, cluster-forming cocci were isolated from patients with urinary infection attending a private surgery. They constituted 1% of the total 11 302 positive cultures. The biochemical characteristics and the drug sensitivities of the strains are described. The significance of motility for organisms which cause urinary infections is pointed out.At the present time the organisms isolated are orphans in the controversial classification of staphylococci and micrococci.