Question

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in the nasal cavity of healthy people. If inhaled into the lungs, however, it may cause pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus is best described as ______.

Answer 1

Answer:

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in the nasal cavity of healthy people. If inhaled into the lungs, however, it may cause pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus is best described as Gram positive cocci (in clusters ) ,Catalase positive ,beta-hemolytic , coagulase positive bacteria.

Explanation : Staphylococcus Aureus is a Gram positive Cocci has following properties.

1) Catalase positive

2) Ferments mannitol on mannitol salt agar.

3)Appear in grape-like clusters.

4)Its reservoir are the normal flora of the skin and the nasal mucosa.

5) It forms beta hemolytic colonies.

6) It forms small yellow colonies on blood agar due to staphyloxanthin pigment.

7) It has protien A on its surface.

8) It causes toxigenic and pyogenic infections.