Staphylococcus aureus
RANK: Species
TAXONOMY: Terrabacteria group -> Firmicutes -> Bacilli -> Bacillales -> Staphylococcaceae -> Staphylococcus -> Staphylococcus aureus
OVERVIEW:
Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive coccal bacterium that is a member of the Firmicutes, and is frequently found in the nose, respiratory tract, and on the skin. It is often positive for catalase and nitrate reduction. Although S. aureus is not always pathogenic, it is a common cause of skin infections such as abscesses, respiratory infections such as sinusitis, and food poisoning. Pathogenic strains often promote infections by producing potent protein toxins, and expressing cell-surface proteins that bind and inactivate antibodies. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus such as MRSA is a worldwide problem in clinical medicine.S. aureus is catalase-positive (meaning it can produce the enzyme catalase). Catalase converts hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to water and oxygen. Catalase-activity tests are sometimes used to distinguish staphylococci from enterococci and streptococci. Previously, S. aureus was differentiated from other staphylococci by the coagulase test. However, not all S. aureus strains are coagulase-positive and incorrect species identification can impact effective treatment and control measures Identified as a constituent of the oral microbiome by Human Oral Microbiome Database. Skin infections are the most common form of S. aureus infection. This can manifest in various ways, including small benign boils, folliculitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and more severe, invasive soft tissue infections. S. aureus is extremely prevalent in persons with atopic dermatitis. It is mostly found in fertile, active places, including the armpits, hair, and scalp. Large pimples that appear in those areas may exacerbate the infection if lacerated. This can lead to staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. A severe form of this, Ritter's disease, can be observed in neonates. The presence of S. aureus in persons with atopic dermatitis is not an indication to treat with oral antibiotics, as evidence has not shown this to give benefit to the patient. The relationship between S. aureus and atopic dermatitis is unclear. Identified as constitutent of skin microbiome. [PMC 2746716] Staphylococcus aureus is ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) positive.
This species has been identified as a resident in the human gastrointestinal tract based on the phylogenetic framework of its small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences.[PMC 4262072]
INTERACTIONS
|
CLUSTERS WITH
| | METABOLOMICS
|
|
