Staphylococcus Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Staphylococcus and its clinical significance.

Staphylococcus aureus

A type of Gram-positive cocci that is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive, known for causing various infections in humans.

Gram-positive cocci

Bacteria that retain their violet color after Gram staining, typically spherical in shape.

Catalase test

A biochemical test used to identify organisms that produce the enzyme catalase, differentiating them from catalase-negative bacteria.

Coagulase

An enzyme produced by some bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) that causes the coagulation of blood plasma.

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)

A toxin produced by some strains of Staphylococcus aureus that induces pore formation in leukocyte membranes, linked to severe skin infections.

Small-colony variants (SCVs)

A subpopulation of bacteria that is slow-growing and linked to persistent infections, exhibiting reduced virulence and increased antibiotic resistance.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

A severe condition caused by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus that produce superantigens, leading to systemic inflammatory response.

Enterotoxins

Toxins produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus associated with food poisoning.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

A strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Biofilm production

The aggregation of bacteria in a community encased in a self-produced matrix, which can compromise the effectiveness of antibiotics.