MCEM Part A Study Guide/Microbiology/Specific Pathogen Groups/Streptococci and Staphylococci

Section 1: Streptococci and Staphylococci Gram-positive cocci can be divided into two groups using the catalase test. Catalase catalyses the conversion of H2O2 to water and oxygen, causing bubbles. Staphylococci produce catalase and are therefore catalase-positive, whereas Streptococci are catalase-negative. Streptococci These are facultative anaerobes. Streptococcus pneumoniae thumb|Streptococcus pneumoniae in spinal fluid. FA stain (digitally colorized). methods of spread of infection principal clinical features Streptococcus pyogenes methods of spread of infection principal clinical features Staphylococci Staphylococcus aureus methods of spread of infection principal clinical features Staphylococcus epidermidis methods of spread of infection principal clinical features Alpha-haemolytic streptococci endocarditis procedural prophylaxis