In order to determine the distribution among lytic groups of Staphylococcus aureus strains circulating in Romania 18,539 strains were phage typed in the National Reference Centre for Staphylococci between 1978 and 1992. Strains susceptible to group II phages prevailed, representing 28.28% of all phage typed strains. The distribution on lytic groups differed in terms of the type of the clinical isolate. The results are statistically analysed and compared with those obtained in Romania by Popovici et al. between 1966 and 1978 as well as with those reported for other geographical areas by other authors.