Staphylococci

Staphylococci are a group of bacteria that cause a multitude of diseases. The name "staphylococcus" comes from the Greek staphyle, meaning a bunch of grapes, and kokkos, meaning berry, and that is what staph looks like under the microscope, like a bunch of grapes or little round berries.

Classification

Staphylococci can be classified into two groups: coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative. Coagulase is an enzyme produced by S. aureus that causes blood plasma to clot. The presence or absence of coagulase is used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between the species.

Pathogenesis

Staphylococci are one of the five most common causes of infections after injury or surgery. They are able to survive on dry surfaces, increasing the chance of transmission. Some strains of Staphylococci have developed resistance to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

Diseases

Staphylococci are the cause of many infections but are commonly associated with skin infections, respiratory diseases, and food poisoning. The most common illness caused by Staphylococci is Staphylococcal food poisoning.

Treatment

Treatment of Staphylococci infections depends on the location and severity of the infection. Antibiotics are commonly used, but some strains of Staphylococci have developed resistance to many antibiotics.

See also

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Staphylococcus epidermidis
• Staphylococcus saprophyticus

Staphylococci Resources
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