The production of fatty acid modifying enzyme (FAME) and lipase by various staphylococcal species.

Eighty-six strains encompassing 11 species of coagulase-negative staphylococci were examined for the production of fatty acid modifying enzyme (FAME) and lipase. Staphylococcus schleiferi and S. saprophyticus most closely resembled S. aureus in that 80% of the strains produced both enzymes. In contrast, no strains of S. lugdunensis and S. haemolyticus tested produced these enzymes. S. simulans was unusual in that eight of 10 strains produced FAME, but only one produced lipase. Among the other species the proportion of strains producing both enzymes ranged from 10 to 60%. Generally there was a strong correlation between FAME and lipase production.