Lipolytic activity of Staphylococcus aureus from human wounds, animals, foods, and food-contact surfaces in Brazil

INTRODUCTION: S. aureus is of great importance to public health due to its pathogenicity. This study aimed to evaluate lipase production by S. aureus isolates from different sources. METHODOLOGY: Lipolytic activity was determined using Tween-Calcium agar (48 hours; 35°C). RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of the isolates from human wounds were positive for lipase production. The frequencies of isolates positive for lipase production were 33.3% from cow udders, 15.4% from the nasal cavities of cattle, 82.9% from ricotta cheeses, and 100% and 91.7% from meat- and vegetable-contact surfaces, respectively. CONCLUSION: The production of lipase varied among the isolates according to their source.