Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase positive, coagulase positive. Which organism best matches this profile?

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Multiple Choice

Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase positive, coagulase positive. Which organism best matches this profile?

Clustering arrangement of Gram-positive cocci points to Staphylococcus. The catalase positive result confirms it’s a Staph rather than a Streptococcus, and the coagulase positive result singles out Staphylococcus aureus, since S. aureus produces coagulase and other Staphylococcus species are coagulase negative. So the profile best matches Staphylococcus aureus. Coagulase-negative staphylococci would be catalase positive but coagulase negative, Staph saprophyticus is typically coagulase negative, and Bacillus spp are not cocci (they are rods).

Clustering arrangement of Gram-positive cocci points to Staphylococcus. The catalase positive result confirms it’s a Staph rather than a Streptococcus, and the coagulase positive result singles out Staphylococcus aureus, since S. aureus produces coagulase and other Staphylococcus species are coagulase negative. So the profile best matches Staphylococcus aureus. Coagulase-negative staphylococci would be catalase positive but coagulase negative, Staph saprophyticus is typically coagulase negative, and Bacillus spp are not cocci (they are rods).

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