Phosphatase Test Research Articles

First Isolation of Taylorella equigenitalis From Thoroughbred Horses in South Korea

Contagious equine metritis (CEM) is a highly contagious venereal disease of the equid species caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis. CEM has been reported from at least 30 countries across the world but in Asia, Japan has been the only country that had previously reported CEM, which was successfully eradicated in 2010. Since then, there had been no reports of CEM in Asia, but during the course of this study to test Thoroughbred horses in South Korea for the possible presence of CEM, a total of five strains of T. equigenitalis were isolated from four stallions and one mare which had shown no clinical signs indicative of the disease. The isolated bacteria were coccoid rod-shaped, gram negative, and were positive for oxidase, catalase and phosphatase tests. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the five isolates were T. equigenitalis, which showed high-sequence identity (99%–100%) with other T. equigenitalis strains. All Korean isolates were sensitive to streptomycin. This study describes the first isolation and characterization of T. equigenitalis in Thoroughbred horses raised in South Korea, representing the reintroduction of CEM into Asia.

The Prevalence of SEN Virus and Occult Hepatitis B (OBI) Virus Infection Among Blood Donors in Ahvaz City.

BackgroundThe SEN virus (SENV) is a prevalent blood borne pathogen that has a worldwide incidence. SENV is comprised of eight genotypes; genotypes H and D are frequently associated with the pathogenesis of non-A - E hepatitis and post-transfusion hepatitis in blood donors and hepatitis patients. So far, no SENV pathogenesis has been reported in the liver biopsies of SENV carriers, but the frequency of SENV and its related genotypes requires further molecular epidemiology studies in different regions of the world. Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is another global public health problem that is primarily transmitted via blood transfusions. Therefore, the identification of OBI among blood donors is key to preventing the spread of this disease. The relationship between SENV and OBI requires further evaluation.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SENV-D and SENV-H in blood donors in Ahvaz city with a particular focus on co-infection with OBI.Patients and MethodsThis study had a cross-sectional design and included 184 healthy consecutive blood donors who visited a blood transfusion center in Ahvaz city from October-November 2013. The sera of all blood donors negative for HBsAg, anti-HCV antibody, and anti-HIV antibody were tested for SENV-D and SENV-H using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, tests for HBV DNA (PCR), HBcIgG (ELISA), liver function (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase), and alkaline phosphatase were carried out.ResultsLiver function tests in the healthy blood donors were within the normal range. The incidence rates of SENV-D and SENV-H in the 184 total blood donors were 10 (5.4%) (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1% - 9.0%) and 32 (17.4%) cases (95% CI: 12.0% - 23.0%), respectively. SENV-H/D co-infection occurred in 2 (1.1%) patients. The sera of 8/184 (4.3%) were positive for anti-HBc antibody but negative for HBV DNA.ConclusionsRegardless of the presence of nonpathogenic SENV, 44/184 (24%) blood donors tested positive for both SENV-D and SENV-H. Although 4.3% of blood donors were positive for HBcIgG but negative for HBV DNA, the presence of OBI cannot be ruled out unless their liver biopsies show negative for HBV DNA.

Study on Differentiate Procedure of Alkaline Phosphatase Test by Conventional Colorimetric Method and Optimized Standard Method in Pasteurized Milk

Study on Differentiate Procedure of Alkaline Phosphatase Test by Conventional Colorimetric Method and Optimized Standard Method in Pasteurized Milk

Preliminary Study on the Quality of Pasteurized Milk in Two Factories in Sudan

A total of thirty (n = 30) packaged pasteurized milk samples were collected from two factories in Khartoum (A) and White Nile (B) States, Sudan and investigated to determine their physical, chemical properties and bacterial quality. The results revealed that no significant differences in color, taste, flavor and consistency of the samples. Clot on boiling test revealed that no acidity on day 3 and 6 post production. However, on day 9, 40% (for 6 samples) from factory A and 20% (for 3 samples) from factory B were positive due to ineffective pasteurization. Titratable acidity test met the standards of Sudanese Standard and Metrology Organization (SSMO) in acidity degree for both factories (p>0.05). Phosphatase test revealed that only 6.7% of samples from factory A were positive. Total number of nonpathogenic bacteria test showed high significant differences (p<0.01). The presence of Escherichia coli at the rate of 6.7% in factory A and 60% in factory B indicates fecal contamination which demonstrated the hygiene procedures in milk preparation for both factories which should be taken consideration before it was contributed to consumers.

A probabilistic approach for the interpretation of RNA profiles as cell type evidence

DNA profiles can be used as evidence to distinguish between possible donors of a crime stain. In some cases, both the prosecution and the defence claim that the cell material was left by the suspect but they dispute which cell type was left behind. For example, in sexual offense cases the prosecution could claim that the sample contains semen cells where the defence argues that the sample contains skin cells. In these cases, traditional methods (e.g. a phosphatase test) can be used to examine the cell type contained in the sample. However, there are some drawbacks when using these methods. For instance, many of these techniques need to be carried out separately for each cell type and each of them requires part of the available sample, which reduces the amount that can be used for DNA analysis.Another option is messenger RNA (mRNA) evidence. mRNA expression levels vary among cell types and can be used to make (probability) statements about the cell type(s) present in a sample. Existing methods for the interpretation of RNA profiles as evidence for the presence of certain cell types aim at making categorical statements. Such statements limit the possibility to report the associated uncertainty. Some of these existing methods will be discussed. Most notably, a method based on a ‘n/2’ scoring rule (Lindenbergh et al. [2]) and a method using marker values and cell type scoring thresholds (Roeder et al. [3]).From a statistical point of view, a probabilistic approach is the most obvious choice. Two approaches (multinomial logistic regression and naïve Bayes’) are suggested. All methods are compared, using two different datasets and several criteria regarding their ability to assess the evidential value of RNA profiles.We conclude that both the naïve Bayes’ method and a method based on multinomial logistic regression, that produces a probabilistic statement as measure of the evidential value, are an important improvement of the existing methods. Besides a better performance, they are flexible and can be adapted to other situations. For example, they could potentially assist in the combination of RNA with DNA evidence.

Scientific opinion on an alternative method for the hygienic treatment of bovine colostrum through a series of filtration steps.

An alternative method to the HTST treatment (High Temperature Short Time pasteurisation at 72 °C for at least 15 seconds or equivalent pasteurisation effect achieving a negative reaction to a phosphatase test), approved for the treatment of bovine colostrum (Category 3 material), was assessed. The purpose of the alternative method, based on a series of filtration steps, is the production of Colostrinov, a product whose main ingredient is bovine colostrum, to be used for foal nutrition. Since the filtration techniques used are known to eliminate particles of the size of bacteria, fungi and protozoa from liquids, it is reasonable to assume that the microfiltration process reduces these contaminants to a level at least equivalent to the treatment required by the legislation. Owing to their small size, viruses are not retained by the mechanical effect of the filters but they may be retained by physico‐chemical interactions with the surface of the filter, depending on the surface properties of the viruses and those of the filter, as well as on the properties of the surrounding liquid. From the information provided by the applicant, it cannot be concluded whether or not the microfiltration process reduces the relevant viral contaminants to a level at least equivalent to a single HTST treatment as required by the legislation.

Evaluation of a membrane filtration method for the rapid enumeration of confirmed Clostridium perfringens from water.

A modification of the UK reference and ISO 14189 TSCA medium for the enumeration of Clostridium perfringens from water coupled with a membrane filter transfer technique for testing for production of acid phosphatase was evaluated. The new tryptose cycloserine agar (TCA) medium, which lacks sodium metabisulphite but contains sodium pyruvate to improve recovery, allows the isolation and confirmation of Cl. perfringens within 18-24 h of sample processing. Data from a multilaboratory study analysed according to ISO 17994 showed that TCA was equivalent to TSCA for the enumeration of Cl. perfringens. The identification of acid phosphatase-negative isolates revealed a false-negative rate for the TCA method of 0.8%. The TCA membrane filter transfer procedure provides confirmed Cl. perfringens counts in half the time of the TSCA method and is simple to undertake. The testing of drinking water for Clostridium perfringens is a regulatory parameter in Europe and the UK. Current UK and ISO methods employ membrane filtration (MF) and TSCA medium followed by subculture and confirmation of isolates by testing for acid phosphatase. This takes 48 h. We present here the results of a multilaboratory evaluation of a MF method that features a simplified isolation medium (TCA) and a membrane transfer procedure for the acid phosphatase test resulting in confirmed results being available in 18-24 h. This development significantly reduces the time to confirmed results for Cl. perfringens from water samples.

The Preparation and In Vitro Evaluations of a Nanoscaled Injectable Bone Repair Material

There are usually two forms of bone repair materials, block and granular, for common clinical use. This paper describes a novel injectable material, nano‐HA/collagen/alginate (nHAC/Alg) composite biomaterial, including its preparation and evaluations in vitro. Based on the idea of bionics and the study of collagen/calcium phosphate salt composite materials, the injectable bone repair material was developed. Then, human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs) were cultured on the nHAC/Alg material. The cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation were evaluated with inverted microscope, scanning electron microscope, laser scanning confocal microscope, 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test. The results showed that nHAC/Alg not only had no negative effect on cellular functions but also promotes cell proliferation and differentiation into osteogenic cells, which suggests that the nanoscaled injectable bone repair material has good clinical application prospects for bone repair.

Patients with dry eye without hepatitis C virus infection possess the viral RNA in their tears.

Dry eye is one of the suggested extrahepatic complications associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV RNA has been detected from the tear fluid of patients with chronic HCV. There has been no literature evidence on the presence of HCV RNA in the tear fluid of patients with dry eye without HCV infection. In this study, tear fluid of patients with dry eye with no HCV infection was screened for the presence of HCV RNA. Tear fluid was collected from patients with dry eye (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 20). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect HCV RNA in the tear fluid. Anti-HCV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase tests were performed in the serum samples collected from 15 patients with dry eye. Viral RNA was detected in 58.3% of the patients. Serum samples collected from 15 patients with dry eye were negative for anti-HCV. Alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated in 12 of 15 patients. Alanine aminotransferase levels were normal in all 15 patients. The odds ratio for the presence of HCV RNA in patients with dry eye was 22.4. These results indicate a direct correlation between dry eye and HCV in non-HCV patients.

Detection of Human seminal stains in one minute by modified acid phosphatase test

Background: The detection of semen is often an important issue in the investigation of rape and other sexual assaults. The most commonly used procedures for semen identification is acid phosphatase test which are being used in the Forensic laboratories to solve the sexual assault cases. Objectives: To determine variability in sensitivity of acid phosphatase in detection of human seminal stains by modified acid phosphatase test. Materials and Methods: 40 samples of human seminal fluid were collected from male volunteers who were neither be connected in blood relation nor showed any heredity to each other. Serial dilution of seminal fluid, preparation of seminal stain, detection and identification of seminal stains steps were used to analyze and detection done by modified acid phosphatase test. Results: Modified acid phosphatase test can locate a 1/512 serial diluted seminal stain. Minimum level of acid phosphates enzyme detected in serial dilution sample of seminal stains was 1/512, 1/256, 1/128 and 1/64. Conclusions: The response may vary from person to person according to quantity of acid phosphatase enzyme in seminal fluid. Semen could be detected in 1 minute on dilution up to 1/512.

A Study of Sexual Assaults in Northern Range of Himachal Pradesh

Background: Rape is among the highest forms of underreported crime experienced by women in all sections of the society and obtaining an accurate measurement of sexual assault is a challenge. An increasing rate of sexual assaults constitutes a large number of cases registered under different sections of the Indian law, their medico-legal examination and forensic investigations.Methods: The study was conducted on 35 sexual assaults cases received for examination at RFSL, Northern Range, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. A self-innovated proforma including the details pertaining to socio-demographic profile, medical examination, and results of specimens of victims collected during forensic analysis was designed. Benzidine test, gel-diffusion test, acid phosphatase test and microscopic examinations were conducted in the lab.Results: The common location of offence was house of the accused (31.42%) followed by house of the victim (20.0%). 48.57% of the alleged rape victims were students. Highly affected age group was 11-20 years. Fifteen girls (42.85%) were below eighteen years of age, which was the age of invalid consensual rape. Forcible rape and invalid consensual rape was reported in 68.56% cases. 77.14% victims were unmarried and 22.85% were married. 85.71% victims were Hindus followed by Muslims (11.42%) and Christian (2.85%). 80% victims knew the assailant. Rupture of hymen was found in 88.57% cases and hymen was intact in 11.42% cases. Delay of medico-legal examination of victim was noted. 31.42% victims had combined genital and extra genital injuries. Acid phosphatase test was found positive in 34.28% cases and positivity for spermatozoa in 22.85% cases. Blood was detected on clothes, undergarments and vaginal swabs in 42.85% cases. In 8.55% cases rape was committed by family members. Only one victim became pregnant following the act of sexual intercourse.Conclusion: Cases were reported from Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities and adolescents were more at risk. Majority of the victims have acquaintance with the assailant and the residence of the accused was the most common location of sexual assault. Delay in medico-legal examination caused problems in detection of semen and spermatozoa. Most of the victims had bath and genital wash after the sexual act, before medical examination and destroyed the evidence.

Some Environmentally Relevant Reactions of Cerium Oxide

Abstract Reactive forms of cerium oxide were prepared by a thermal decomposition of various precursors, namely carbonates, oxalates and citrates, commercially available nanocrystalline cerium oxide (nanoceria) was involved in the study for comparison. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were used to examine the morphology and crystallinity of the samples, respectively, whereas the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method of nitrogen adsorption was used to determine surface areas. Interactions of cerium oxide with some phosphorus-containing compounds were investigated. Some of the examined samples, especially those prepared by annealing from carbonate precursors, exhibited an outstanding ability to destroy highly toxic organophosphates, such as pesticides (parathion methyl), or nerve agents (soman, VX). There were identified some relations between the degradation efficiency of cerium oxides and their crystallinity. It was also shown that cerium oxide is able to destroy one of widely used flame retardants - triphenyl phosphate. A phosphatase-mimetic activity of various cerium oxides was examined with the aid of a standardized phosphatase test.

Experimental study of the effect on bone metabolism and bone histomorphometry of osteoporosis rats with birdpecking and revolving moxibustion on twelve back-shu points.

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of birdpecking and revolving moxibustion on twelve back shenshu points on the bone metabolism and bone histomorphometry of osteoporosis rats. The 50 female rats of 8 months old that did not pregnant were collected and randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, moxibustion group, moxibustion and estrogen group, and estrogen group. All the rats, except for the rats in the sham-operation group, received ovarian surgery to establish the models. After 10 days postoperatively (healing), the rats received moxibustion and estrogen therapy. According to the different groups, the rats received rat femur in vivo bone mineral density assessment at 90 days after surgery. After that, the rats were sacrificed, and then the left femoral bones were collected for bone histomorphometry test; blood was taken for bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) testing, and urine was collected for hydroxyproline testing. The urine hydroxyproline was tested once at 24 h after ovarian surgery. At 24 h after ovarian surgery, the urine hydroxyproline in the ovariectomy group was significantly higher than that in the sham-operation group (P < 0.05), indicating that after ovarian surgery, the collagen broke down which accelerated the process of osteoporosis. After the intervention therapy with moxibustion and estrogen, the BALP, urinary hydroxyproline and femoral bone histomorphometry were comparatively analyzed, and the results showed that the intervention groups were higher than the model group (P < 0.05). But when compared with the sham-operation group, the indexes in the intervention groups were decreased, and the differences were significant (P < 0.05), indicating that intervention could only delay the incidence of osteoporosis. The Chinese traditional measure of "birdpecking and revolving moxibustion on twelve back-shu points" can effectively prevent the recession of bone metabolism of osteoporosis rats, and slow down the degeneration of bone morphology, which can be used to delay the incidence of osteoporosis.

Endosulphan Concentration alters biomarkers in albino rat

Effect of 11.01ppm of endosulfan dose on the enzyme Acid phosphatase and Alkaline phosphatase in liver and kidney of 5 week of swiss albino rat was studied for different period of exposure. The enzyme activity increased due to congestion, biliary hindrance and hyperplasia swelling of renal tubules and vacuolization. Phosphatase testing is used to assess enzymatic damage caused by kidney disease, liver disease, or a heart attack. Primary site of organochlorine storage in the body is adipose tissue. It is metabolized in the liver as a lipophilic xenobiotic to hepatotoxic intermediates by mono-oxygenase systems which cause oxidative stress. Increase in acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity is due to leakage of lysosomal enzymes into the cytoplasm and renal necrosis and pyknotic nuclei. Endosulphan effects the biomarker of albino rat.

Evaluation of forensic examination of extremely aged seminal stains.

The results of forensic tests, such as semen identification and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis of extremely aged seminal stains from unsolved sex crimes can provide important evidence. In this study we evaluated whether current forensic methods could be applied to seminal stains that were stored at room temperature for 33-56years (n=2, 33years old; n=1, 41years old; n=1, 44years old; n=1, 56years old). The prostatic acid phosphatase (SM-test reagent), microscopic (Baecchi stain method) and semenogelin (RSID™ Semen Laboratory Kit) tests were performed as discriminative tests for semen. In addition, the mRNA levels of the semen-specific proteins semenogelin 1 (SEMG1) and protamine 2 (PRM2) were investigated. STRs were analyzed using the AmpFlSTR® Identifiler™ PCR Amplification Kit. All samples were positive in the prostatic acid phosphatase and semenogelin tests, and sperm heads were identified in all samples. The staining degree of the aged sperm heads was similar to that of fresh sperm. Although SEMG1 mRNA was not detected in any sample, PRM2 mRNA was detected in three samples. In the STR analysis, all loci were detected in the 33-years-old sample and five loci were detected in the 56-years-old sample. We confirmed that current forensic examinations - including STR analysis - could be applied to extremely aged seminal stains. These results could be useful for forensic practice.

Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: a Useful Tool for the Early Diagnosis of Scleroderma

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc). In the last years many efforts have been dedicated to the research of widely accepted criteria for the early diagnosis of SSc. Since studies on the prevalence of early SSc in PBC patients are lacking, our aim was to investigate its hitherto unknown prevalence in a large cohort of PBC patients. We studied 80 PBC patients and 72 patients with other chronic liver diseases. Diagnostic workup included research into signs of connective tissue disease, determination of autoantibody profile, and examination of capillary abnormalities through nailfold videocapillaroscopy. Ten PBC patients (12.5%) satisfied diagnostic criteria for early SSc and 5 (6.3%) had definite SSc. None of the patients in the control group were diagnosed either with early or definite SSc. No differences were observed in terms of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and liver function tests between PBC patients with and without associated SSc. Early SSc is significantly frequent in PBC patients. The detection of early SSc in PBC patients may lead to a prompt treatment of its complications, preventing inabilities and preserving the chance of liver transplantation.

Bioactive nanocomposite PLDL/nano-hydroxyapatite electrospun membranes for bone tissue engineering

New nanocomposite membranes with high bioactivity were fabricated using the electrospinning. These nanocomposites combine a degradable polymer poly(l/dl)-lactide and bone cell signaling carbonate nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp). Chemical and physical characterization of the membranes using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the wide angle X-ray diffraction evidenced that nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into the fibers and membrane structure. The incorporation of the n-HAp into the structure increased significantly the mineralization of the membrane in vitro. It has been demonstrated that after a 3-day incubation of composite membrane in the Simulated Body Fluid a continuous compact apatite layer was formed. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the incorporation of n-HAp significantly improved cell attachment, upregulated cells proliferation and stimulated cell differentiation quantified using Alkaline Phosphatase and OsteoImage tests. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the addition of n-HAp provided chemical cues that were a key factor that regulated osteoblastic differentiation.

Sensitivity and specificity of presumptive tests for blood, saliva and semen

Despite their wide use, the limits of presumptive tests can be poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the specificity and sensitivity of conventional, as well as innovative, presumptive tests for blood, semen and saliva. We investigated Kastle-Meyer (KM) and leucomalachite green (LMG) tests for blood with regard to their sensitivity and specificity in the presence of oxidizing (hypochlorite) and anti-oxidizing (ascorbic acid) agents. The suitability and specificity of the red starch paper (RSP) test for saliva was assessed. Finally, the inhibitory effect of detergent on the acid phosphatase (AP) test for semen was investigated along with possible cross reactions to tea stains. Our results confirm previous findings of higher sensitivity and specificity of the KM test compared to LMG test for blood. Contrary to previous studies, no statistically significant difference was observed in the sensitivity of the tests between dry and wet stains. The novel RSP test was found to successfully detect saliva. We demonstrated that acid phosphatase (AP) testing for semen is possible on used RSP. A common multipurpose detergent had an inhibitory effect on AP tests. False positive results were obtained from tea stains. Testing different sorts of tea (black, green and herbal teas) revealed that only Camellia varieties produce positive result with the AP test, due to AP being present in the plants. From our results we conclude that specific knowledge of each test, including substances that may affect the test outcome, is imperative to ensure correct interpretation of presumptive test results.

Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes and Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase Score in Patients with Acute and Chronic Disease: A Brief Review

Aims: To conduct a review of the literature concerning existing methods to detect alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in human serum and to examine the dietary factors that modulate ALP-intestinal isoenzyme (IAP) activity, in light of new findings about its additional functions. Background: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) testing is used to detecting liver diseases and bone disorders. When the liver is impaired, damaged hepatocytes release increased amounts of ALP into the blood. If the results of other liver tests, such as for bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT), are high, usually the ALP is usually coming from the liver. If it is not clear from the patient’s signs and symptoms or from the results of other routine tests whether the high ALP originates Review Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(1): 340-350, 2014 341 from is due to liver or bone, then a test for ALP isoenzymes, produced by different types of tissue, may be necessary to distinguish the sources of APL. There are 4 gene ALP families: 1), intestinal (found on chromosome 2); placental (2); germ cell (3) and non–tissue-specific (4). The tissue nonspecific isoenzyme includes the common serum forms of ALP from bone and liver. Discussion of Testing Methods: The total ALP activity is typically measured colorimetrically using the p-nitrophenol method. ALP isoenzyme levels can be measured via a method described by the Japanese Society of Clinical Chemistry, in which the ALP isoenzymes are separated electrophoretically with Titan III supporting media. A mouse monoclonal antibody specific to the bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) is available and, has been adapted to an immunoassay to detection this enzyme. Conclusion: Isoenzyme testing is crucial before an accurate diagnosis can be made; this option should be considered when the signs and symptoms of certain diseases fail to provide a clear answer that explains clinical or laboratory features in acute or chronic diseases.

Virulence, Speciation and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Ocular Coagualase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS).

Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are common inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes. With the emergence of these organisms as prominent pathogens in patients with ocular infections, investigation has intensified in an effort to identify important virulence factors and to inform new approaches to treatment and prevention. To isolate CoNS from ocular specimens; to study the possible virulence factors; speciation of coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) which were isolated from ocular complications; antibiotic susceptibility testing of ocular CoNS. The specimens were collected from the target patients who attended the Microbiology Laboratory of a tertiary care eye hospital in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu state, India. The isolates were subjected to tube and slide coagulase tests for the identification of CoNS. All the isolates were subjected to screening for lipase and protease activities. Screening for other virulence factors viz., slime production on Congo red agar medium and haemagglutination assay with use of 96-well microtitre plates. These isolates were identified upto species level by performing biochemical tests such as phosphatase test, arginine test, maltose and trehalose fermentation tests and novobiocin sensitivity test. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility studies, based on the revised standards of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institutes (CLSI). During the one year of study, among the total 260 individuals who were screened, 100 isolates of CoNS were obtained. Lipolytic activity was seen in all the isolates, whereas 38 isolates showed a positive result for protease. A total of 63 isolates showed slime production. Of 100 isolates, 30 isolates were analyzed for haemagglutination, where 4 isolates showed the capacity to agglutinate the erythrocytes. The results of the biochemical analysis revealed that of the 100 isolates of CoNS, 43% were Staphylococcus epidermidis. The other isolates were identified as S. xylosus (n=8), S. captis (n=16), S. haemolyticus (n=10), S. saccharolyticus (n=2), S. hominis (n=5), S. saprophyticus (n=6) and S. intermedius (n=1). On the other hand, 9 isolates were not identified. In the antibiotic susceptibility analysis, it was found that most of the isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, amikacin and linczolid and resistant to cefatoxime, oxacillin, bacitracin and nalidixic acid. S. epidermidis was found to be predominant in causing the ocular complications. Slime production, heamagglutination, protease and lipase activities could be the putative virulence factors of CoNS. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of CoNS against antibacterial agents revealed maximum resistance to beta lactam groups, and the resistance was found to be higher to oxacillin, and lowest to vancomycin.