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Unknown Bacteria Essay

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After several biochemical tests, Unknown Bacteria #30 was identified as Staphylococcus aureus. After growing the bacteria on Nutrient Agar to ensure a pure sample, it was Gram stained to determine morphology and arrangement. It was observed to be a Gram positive staphylococci. Then, the bacteria was inoculated onto a Mannitol Salt Agar plate. After incubation, it was observed to have bacterial growth and the agar was yellow in color. According to the lab manual (2), MSA contains 7.5% NaCl and phenol red, a pH indicator. Due to the salt content, MSA is selective for salt-tolerant bacteria and the phenol red allows MSA to differentiate for mannitol fermentation. Mannitol fermentation is indicated by a yellow color change, which is the result of acidic byproducts changing the pH of the agar. The results showed that the bacteria was both salt-tolerant and able to ferment mannitol.
After this was determined, the bacteria was transferred into a nitrate reduction broth tube. Nitrate broth contains a durham tube which is used to indicate fermentation, nutrients essential for …show more content…

aureus is due to several factors. It is coagulase positive which forms accesses and prevents phagocytosis. It produces several exotoxins that create different responses in the body such as exfoliative toxin which causes scalded skin syndrome and enterotoxin which causes Staphylococcal food poisoning. Exotoxins produced by S. aureus are also responsible for Toxic Shock Syndrome, which is associated with tampon use and wound packing. In general, S. aureus is resistant to penicillin and some strains are resistant to methicillin (MRSA). According to the Minnesota Department of Health, most skin infections caused by S. aureus are self-limiting and do not require antibiotic treatment, but in cases where immunity is suppressed or skin is broken due to surgery or injury, infections may require antibiotic treatment or abscess drainage to prevent more serious infection

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