Is Staphylococcus aureus catalase positive or negative?

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Study for the NBEO Microbiology exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Is Staphylococcus aureus catalase positive or negative?

Explanation:
The catalase test looks for the enzyme catalase that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Staphylococcus species, including Staphylococcus aureus, produce catalase, so when hydrogen peroxide is added to a colony you see rapid bubbling from the released oxygen. That visible reaction confirms a catalase-positive organism, which fits Staphylococcus aureus. If there were no bubbles, that would suggest a catalase-negative organism, more like Streptococcus. In short, Staphylococcus aureus is catalase positive, so the correct result is positive.

The catalase test looks for the enzyme catalase that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Staphylococcus species, including Staphylococcus aureus, produce catalase, so when hydrogen peroxide is added to a colony you see rapid bubbling from the released oxygen. That visible reaction confirms a catalase-positive organism, which fits Staphylococcus aureus. If there were no bubbles, that would suggest a catalase-negative organism, more like Streptococcus. In short, Staphylococcus aureus is catalase positive, so the correct result is positive.

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