Staphylococcus Aureus – Cultural Characteristics

Staphylococcus Aureus – Cultural Characteristics

Table of Contents

Cultural Characteristics of Staphylococcus Aureus

Staphylococcus Aureus grow in a carbon dioxide enriched atmosphere and also well grow aerobically. Most of the strains grows anaerobically, but less well. The Temperature range of S.Cocci is 10–42 ºC, whereas optimum temperature is 35–37 ºC. Colonies on solid media are smooth, glistening, round and raised.

1- Blood Agar & Choclate (Heated Blood) Agar

Staphylococcus Aureus produces occasionally white 1-2 mm in diameter colonies or yellow to cream after overnight incubation. Pigment is less clear in young colonies. Some strains are beta haemolytic in the presence of oxygen. Colonies are easily emulsified and slightly raised.

Staphylococcus Aureus on blood agar
Staphylococcus Aureus on blood agar

2- Mannitol Salt Agar

Mannitol Salt Agar is a useful selective medium for S.Aureus. This agar also be used for screen the nasal carriers. S. Aureus ferments the mannitol and is able to grow on agar contaning 70 – 100 g/l sodium chloride. Mannitol Salt agar also be used for isolating Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA) which contain 75g/l sodium chloride and 4mg/l methicillin.

Staphylococcus Aureus on Mannitol Salt Agar
Staphylococcus Aureus on Mannitol Salt Agar

3- Tryptic Soy Agar

Tryptic Soy Agar is a growth media for different bacteria. It is a non-selective media which provide enough nutrients to allow a wide variety of microorganisms. Staphylococcus show convex and circular colonies on this agar.

Staphylococcus Aureus on Tryptic Soy Agar
Staphylococcus Aureus on Tryptic Soy Agar

4- Biochemical Test

Staphylococcus Aureus is:

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