Staphylococcus

Staphylococcus (S. aureus) is a representative of the family of gram-positive microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcus, which is one of the most common in the environment: approximately 30% of staphylococcal species live on human skin and mucous membranes, which are part of the normal microflora of the skin of staphylococcus (strains S. epidermidis and S. saprophyticus). In most cases, they do not cause pathology in humans, although under certain conditions their activity may increase.

S. aureus is oval in shape with rounded cell ends, ranging in size from 0.5 to 1.5 µm and is covered by a layer of outer capsule. The wall consists of peptidoglycan and contains protein A, characteristic only of this type of microorganism. The surface layer of the bacterium is also a determinant of the response to type I or MEP type bacterial antigens and is the primary agent responsible for determining the leukocyte response. It is due to the presence of this protein that staphylococcus is characterized by the “cap” phenomenon.

Staphylococci have a number of dangerous properties and pathogenic properties. Among them, we can highlight the fact of the existence of different strains. Some of the staphylococcal infections can cause certain diseases - infections that occur without symptoms if the infection is present in the body: such microorganisms are called facultative anaerobes. Other strains, on the other hand, are aerobes and can only survive in oxygen. Coagulase - exotoxins produced by it cause endotoxicosis. They destroy body tissues, which then become a source of toxins. Cytolysins are also released. In this case, destruction of the tissues of internal organs and blood clotting occurs, which is accompanied by the formation of extensive foci of necrosis. It produces hemotoxin, acetylcholine, protease and sulfhydryl enzyme in large quantities.