Staphylococcus

Staphylo means a bunch of grapes  and coccus means seed . staphylococcus is arranged in branch or group or clump . So, it is named staphylococcus .

     Classification

i)                    Staphylococcus aureus ( Golden yellow )

ii)                  Staphylococcus albus  ( white )

iii)                Staphylococcus citreus ( Lemon – yellow )

Morphology

i)                    Shape and size – They are spherical in shape with a size of 1 μ in diameter , avarege diameter is 0.7 to 1.2 μ

ii)                  Non motile due to absence of flagellum

iii)                Non-sporing

iv)                Non-capsulated

v)                  Aranged in grape like cluster

vi)                Some of them may be found in pair or single when bunches are broken

Diseases produced b y Staphylococcus

   Of all varieties of staphylococcus , staphylococcus aureus is important human pathogen . The organisms are normally present in skin , nose , mouth and throat . They may enter into skin through hair follicles , sebaceous  glands , sweat glands , abrasion or injury to the skin .

Skin Lesions ---

a)      sycosis –Pustular inflammation of hair follicles , especially of the beard .

b)      Boils or furuncles

c)      Carbuncles – Multiple adjuscent draining skin sinuses

d)      Impetigo contagiosa – An exudative forms with lesions

e)      Pemphigus neonatorum – It is pustular condition of skin of newborn

Whitlow infection of nail margin and nail bed

Genito urinary tract infection like Cystitis and Pyelonephritis .

Others

i)                    Osteomylitis

ii)                   Septicaemia

iii)                 Pyaemia

iv)                 Pneumonia

v)                  Perineal abscess .

vi)                 Peritonitis

vii)               Otitis media

viii)              Pericarditis

ix)                 Ulcerative endocarditis

x)                  Meningitis .