Staphylococci

Gram-positive cocci, diameter – 0.6-1.0 µm, round shape, non-motile, without spores, arranged in clusters, divide irregularly in several planes. Some biotypes of staphylococci have a capsule. These are facultative anaerobes. Staphylococcus aureus – one of the best known and most common bacteria in the human environment. Under anaerobic conditions, they ferment glucose, mannitol to acids. They secrete coagulase, urease, phosphatase, catalase, lecithinase, proteinase, fibrinolysin. Pathogenic staphylococci cause various diseases.

S. epidermidis – staphylococci that do not ferment mannitol. They are characterized by phosphatase activity. Found on human skin and mucous membranes. Can cause sepsis, endocarditis, conjunctivitis, wound and urinary tract purulent infections.

S. saprophyticus – a species of bacteria that oxidizes mannitol but does not have phosphatase activity. Can cause acute cystitis and urethritis.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė