Adherence of coagulase-negative staphylococci to human bone

A radiometric assay for the adherence of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) to bone chip microcolumns was developed. The adherence of 23 strains poorly correlated to slime production (r = 0.46). Both parameters were independent of hydrophobicity. Enzymatic and physicochemical modifications of the cell by β-galactosidase, proteinase K, periodate and heat pretreatment suggest that a heat stable protein moiety, as well as sugar chains are involved in the adherence to bone chips. Preincubation of slime nonproducing staphylococci with a slime preparation derived from an adherent strain had no influence on the attachment process. On the other hand pretreatment of the bone chip microcolumn with the same slime preparation, significantly reduced the binding of adherent strains. The detection of adhering, non-slime producing CNS isolates is a point in case that slime production is not a prerequisite for CNS adherence to bone.