Serological detection of enterotoxin from food poisoning strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated in Malaysia

Cultures of Staphylococcus aureus from eight food poisoning incidents in Malaysia were examined for their ability to produce enterotoxins. Five of the eight strains were found to be enterotoxigenic, the enterotoxins detected being A and E (three strains), A and C (one strain), and C (one strain). Penicillinase production was observed in four of the five enterotoxigenic strains; the penicillin·sensitive strain was also found to be coagulase-negative. The bacteriological and epidemiological investigations for confirming staphylococcal food poisoning are presented. The preventive measures to be taken in reducing such outbreaks are emphasized.