MCEM Part A Study Guide/Microbiology/Specific Pathogen Groups/Streptococci and Staphylococci

Section 1: Streptococci and Staphylococci
Gram-positive cocci can be divided into two groups using the catalase test. Catalase catalyses the conversion of H2O2 to water and oxygen, causing bubbles. Staphylococci produce catalase and are therefore catalase-positive, whereas Streptococci are catalase-negative.

Streptococci
These are facultative anaerobes.

Streptococcus pneumoniae
methods of spread of infection principal clinical features

Streptococcus pyogenes
methods of spread of infection principal clinical features

Staphylococcus aureus
methods of spread of infection principal clinical features

Staphylococcus epidermidis
methods of spread of infection principal clinical features

Alpha-haemolytic streptococci
endocarditis procedural prophylaxis