Microbiology of Staphylococcus aureus

A specialized segment of DNA that can copy itself and insert into another DNA molecule.

A process in which a transposon copies itself and inserts into a new DNA molecule, often a plasmid or chromosome.

A small, circular piece of DNA that can replicate independently of the main bacterial chromosome.

The process by which a transposon is incorporated into a bacterial chromosome or plasmid.

A type of transposon that carries genes for antibiotic resistance.

Bacteria that produce pigments, which are colored substances that give them a distinctive appearance.

A type of bacteria that forms spores, which are resistant structures that allow them to survive harsh conditions.

These bacteria produce yellow pigment.

These bacteria produce golden yellow pigment.

These bacteria produce a blue-green pigment called pyocyanin and pyoverdin.

These bacteria produce a red pigment.

These bacteria can form biofilms, which are communities of bacteria living together on a surface.

These bacteria are known to cause catheter and prosthetic device infections.

A bacterial cell that contains a fertility factor plasmid, capable of transferring genetic material to a recipient cell.

A bacterial cell that lacks the fertility factor plasmid, receiving genetic material from an F+ cell.

A bacterial cell with an integrated F factor into its chromosomal DNA, capable of high-frequency recombination.

A process where a bacterial cell transfers genetic material to another cell through direct contact, by transferring a copy of its F factor.

A process where a bacterial cell transfers its genetic material through the help of viruses.

A process that occurs during conjugation, when a fragment of bacterial DNA breaks off the Hfr cell's chromosome and recombines with the recipient's DNA.

A bacterial cell that has received genetic material from an Hfr cell through conjugation.

A process where genetic material is transferred between bacterial cells through direct contact or with the help of viruses.

Complete lysis of red blood cells (RBCs) resulting in a pale/clear area around the colony on blood agar.

Partial oxidation of hemoglobin producing a greenish or brownish color without clearing around the growth on blood agar.

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive, β-hemolytic, catalase-positive coccus that typically appears in clusters.

A virulence factor that binds to the Fc portion of IgG, inhibiting complement activation and phagocytosis.

A superantigen produced by Staphylococcus aureus that binds to MHC II and T-cell receptors, causing polyclonal T-cell activation and cytokine release.

A serious illness caused by Staphylococcus aureus characterized by high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, desquamation, shock, and end-organ failure.

A common infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus leading to skin infections, organ abscesses, and pneumonia.

Enzyme produced by Staphylococcus aureus that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, resulting in a positive reaction.

A bacterium that often causes infections in tight-knit groups like military barracks or college dorms.

A sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

A serious complication of gonorrhea that can affect joints.

An inflammation of the pelvic organs, often caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

A bacterium that can cause a range of infections, from ear infections to meningitis.

A serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by Haemophilus influenzae.

A type of Haemophilus influenzae that is a common cause of ear infections.

A vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which helps protect against serious infections.

A severe infection that can cause a swelling in the back of the throat, seen as a "cherry red" color in children and as a "thumb sign" on an X-ray.

A type of bacteria that grows aerobically (with oxygen), produces catalase enzyme (breaks down hydrogen peroxide), and is gram-negative rod.

A potentially fatal lung infection caused by Burkholderia cepacia, which is particularly dangerous in patients with cystic fibrosis.

A gram-negative, aerobic coccobacillus (a tiny, oval-shaped bacterium) that causes whooping cough.

A type of fever that comes and goes in waves, characterized by chills, sweats, and joint pain, caused by Brucella bacteria.

A gram-negative, aerobic coccobacillus (a tiny, oval-shaped bacterium) that causes brucellosis, a disease commonly transmitted through contaminated milk and dairy products.