gram positive cocci

Question 1

Genus Staphylococcus

Answer 1

S. aureus, can be quite pathogenic. Commonly found on the skin, nares, groin, anillae. Produces a variety of toxins and tissue-destroying enzymes, very resistant to drying and heat, often resistant to multiple antibiotics (ex. MRSA, VRSA). Can also cause toxic shock syndrome, abscesses, wound infections, and food intoxication

Question 2

Genus streptococcus

S. Lactis

Answer 2

Lactose fermenter used in yogurt

Question 3

S. mutans

Answer 3

normal oral flora, forms biofilm on teeth (plaque), acids produced by carbohydrate fermentation result in caries. Oral surgery can accidentally inoculate them into the bloodstream where they can eventually wind up growing on heart valves or the lining of the heart, very dangerous, thus prophylactic antibiotics often accompany oral surgery

Question 4

S. pneumoniae

Answer 4

encapsulated; cause of pneumonia, especially in children and the elderly.

Question 5

S. pyogenes,

Answer 5

‘Group A strep,’ causes strep throat (and occasional life-threatening complications should the bacteria secondarily invade the kidneys or heart valves). Flesh-eating strep; imptigo, otitis media, necrotizing fasciitis