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Staphylococcus aureus |
Staphylococcus aureus (and other Staphylococcus spp.) is (unlike e.g., Streptococcus spp.) catalase positive. Colonies practically without hemolysis (Columbia agar with sheep blood, 24 hours, aerobic atmosphere, 37°C.).
The presence of catalase in a microbial or tissue sample can be tested by adding a volume of hydrogen peroxide and observing the reaction. The formation of bubbles, oxygen, indicates a positive result. This easy assay, which can be seen with the naked eye, without the aid of instruments, is possible because catalase has a very high specific activity, which produces a detectable response.
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Microscopy:
Gram-positive cocci, nonmotile, tend to be arranged in grape-like clusters. |
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