Identification and Diagnosis
Gram stain of Staphylococcus aureus cells.
Staphylococcus aureus is identified using both biochemical and enzyme tests:
1. Gram Stain (Shape/Configuration):
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium, showing typical cocci of spherical bacterium in clusters.
2. Culture (mannitol salt agar):
Staphylococcus aureus produces large yellow colonies.
3. Coagulase Test:
Staphylococcus aureus is coagulase-positive (produces the enzyme coagulase which causes clot formation).
4. Catalase Test:
Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive (produces the enzyme catalase which converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen; bubbles observed).
Fact:Staphylococcus aureus can grow at temperatures of 15-45 °C and at salt concentrations as high as 15%.
1. Gram Stain (Shape/Configuration):
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium, showing typical cocci of spherical bacterium in clusters.
2. Culture (mannitol salt agar):
Staphylococcus aureus produces large yellow colonies.
3. Coagulase Test:
Staphylococcus aureus is coagulase-positive (produces the enzyme coagulase which causes clot formation).
4. Catalase Test:
Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive (produces the enzyme catalase which converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen; bubbles observed).
Fact:Staphylococcus aureus can grow at temperatures of 15-45 °C and at salt concentrations as high as 15%.
