Polar lipids of Staphylococcus strains analysed by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

This study used fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB MS) to obtain detailed information on polar lipids of Staphylococcus by examining 23 isolates. Eighteen major anions were found in the range m/z 199–297, consistent with the presence of carboxylate anions. A further 21 major anions were found in the higher mass regions of m/z 609–805, consistent with the presence of phospholipid anions. In Staph. aureus, Staph. epidermidis, Staph. haemolyticus and Staph. hominis , the most intense peaks putatively assigned as carboxylate ions were consistent with presence of C_15:0, followed by C_17:0 except in the case of Staph. epidermidis. The major phospholipid anions were consistent with the presence of PG(30 : 0), PG(32 : 0) and PG(33 : 0). It is concluded that Staphylococcus has a characteristic polar lipid profile and that qualitative and quantitative differences may be seen between Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis.