Catalase positive, beta-hemolytic Staphylococcus is: (A) Staphylococcus aureus, (B) Staphylococcus epidermidis, (C) Staphylococcus saprophyticus, (D) None
Answer is A. Staphylococcus aureus is beta hemolytic, produce a sharply defined clear colorless zone of hemolysis on blood agar within which red cells are completely absent. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase positive. Catalase test: place a loopful of hydrogen peroxide on colonies on the nutrient agar. Prompt effervescence indicates catalase production. Ref: Textbook of Microbiology; Ananthanarayanan and Panicker; 10th Edition; Page no: 207