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The aim of this study was to examine the effect of growth conditions on slime production by Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates. The addition of glucose to the medium enhanced slime production in the majority of Staphylococcus aureus isolates cultured from infections associated with orthopaedic prostheses. Iron limitation also stimulated this ability even in the absence of the additional carbohydrate source. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were classified as Group 1 [strains producing slime only in trypticase soy broth supplemented with 1% glucose (TSBG) or in iron-limited trypticase soy broth (TSB/Fe–)]; Group 2 (slime+ only in TSB/Fe–); or Group 3 (slime+ only in TSBG). Seven repeatedly slime-negative strains were stimulated to produce slime by subpassaging in iron-limited medium. Low iron levels, usually found in vivo, could stimulate slime production by Staphylococcus aureus and support chronic infections associated with orthopaedic prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]