Quantitative epifluorescence assay of adherence of coagulase-negative staphylococci.

A quantitative epifluorescence assay was developed to assess the adherent qualities of clinical isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci. This method compared favorably with the standardized tube adherence assay, yet demonstrated a wide range of surface binding affinities among the slime-producing and non-slime-producing strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci examined. This technique can also be adapted to evaluate the adherence of bacteria to other plastics and biomedical materials used to manufacture implantable medical devices.