Staphylococcus
Description
Staphylococcus is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria. Under the microscope, they appear round (cocci), and form in grape-like clusters.he Staphylococcus genus includes at least 40 species. Of these, nine have two subspecies, one has three subspecies, and one has four subspecies. Most are harmless and reside normally on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and other organisms. Staphylococcus has been found to be a nectar-inhabiting microbe. Found worldwide, they are a small component of soil microbial flora.
Function
One of the most important phenotypical features used in the classification of staphylococci is their ability to produce coagulase, an enzyme that causes blood clot formation. Seven species are currently recognised as being coagulase-positive: S. aureus, S. delphini, S. hyicus, S. intermedius, S. lutrae, S. pseudintermedius, and S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans. These species belong to two separate groups – the S. aureus (S. aureus alone) group and the S. hyicus-intermedius group (the remaining five). A eighth species has also been described – Staphylococcus leei – from patients with gastritis.
Pathology
Staphylococcus can cause a wide variety of diseases in humans and animals through either toxin production or penetration.
Streptococcus group A is a pathogen that can cause Strep Throat, Scarlet Fever, Necrotizing Fasciitis, Rheumatic Fever, Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis.
Streptococcus group B is a pathogen that can cause newborn infections, Bacteremia, Pneumonia, Skin and soft-tissue infections, Bone and joint infections.
Staphylococcal toxins are a common cause of food poisoning, for they can be produced by bacteria growing in improperly stored food items. The most common sialadenitis is caused by staphylococci, as bacterial infections.