Gram-Positive Bacteria - NCBI Bookshelf

Staphylococcus aureus

A gram-positive, catalase-positive, coagulase-positive cocci in clusters that can cause a wide range of infections including skin infections (like impetigo), pneumonia, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, and food poisoning. It is notable for its ability to develop antibiotic resistance, particularly methicillin resistance, leading to MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which poses significant treatment challenges.

Staphylococcus aureus

A gram-positive, catalase-positive, coagulase-positive cocci in clusters that can cause skin infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, and toxic shock syndrome.

Group A Streptococcus (Strep. pyogenes)

A gram-positive cocci that can cause pyogenic infections like pharyngitis and cellulitis, as well as toxic infections like scarlet fever.

Enterococci

Gram-positive group D cocci mainly found in colonic flora that can cause urinary tract infections and biliary tract infections.

Peptidoglycan Layer

A polymer that forms the cell wall of bacteria; thicker in gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria.

Clostridia

Gram-positive, spore-forming rods, including C. tetani and C. difficile, responsible for diseases like tetanus and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Vancomycin

An antibiotic used to treat serious Gram-positive infections, particularly those caused by MRSA.

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

A strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to methicillin and other commonly used antibiotics.

Biofilms

Complex communities of microorganisms adhering to surfaces, often associated with infections from organisms like Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Gram Staining Method

A laboratory technique developed by Hans Christian Gram for differentiating bacterial species into gram-positive and gram-negative based on their cell wall properties.

Staphylococcus aureus is _______ positive.

gram

The coagulase test is used to identify _______ aureus.

Staphylococcus

MRSA stands for _______ -Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin

Group A Streptococcus is also known as _______ pyogenes.

Streptococcus

The peptidoglycan layer is _______ in gram-positive bacteria.

thicker

Clostridia are known for being _______ forming.

spore

_________ is an antibiotic used for serious Gram-positive infections.

Vancomycin

Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that adhere to _______.

surfaces

Gram staining differentiates bacteria into gram-positive and _______ bacteria.

gram-negative

Enterococci are part of the _______ flora in the human body.

colonic