We have studied the bacterial characteristics of Staphylococcus epidermidis, to clarify the properties of specific glycoprotein (MW 24,000) which we observed in S. epidermidis slime by using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We recognized the relationship between slime production and virulence of S. epidermidis in mice. Also, we observed the relationship between slime production and the activity of protease.

However, no relation between slime produciton and the activity of superoxide dismutase, and between slime production and the type difference of hemolysin of S. epidermidis were seen. These results demonstrate that the slime glycoprotein of S. epidermidis was closely related to protease activity and a virulence in the host.