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Name:
Staphylococcus aureus in sputum from a case of staphylococcal pneumonia, stained using the Gram protocol
Description:
ID: 1868
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Staphylococcus aureus causes a diversity of infections, most commonly as a primary pathogen. Occasionally, however, it may cause secondary pneumonia following an influenza infection. Even if the patient receives prompt and appropriate anti-staphylococcal therapy, this condition is life-threatening. The sputum of a person suffering from staphylococcal pneumonia has the appearance of pus with fresh blood as well, said to resemble strawberries and custard. In the Gram film shown in this image, there are numerous degenerate polymorphonuclear leukocytes and clusters of Gram-positive cocci characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus. The polymorphonuclear leukocytes, cells specialised for fighting bacterial infections, appear damaged partly because of the harsh conditions employed in the staining technique but Staphylococcus aureus also produces toxins that damage leukocytes.
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Subject
Please credit:
Microbiology at Leeds
©
University of Leeds
Microbiology
Classification
Scientific name
Common name
Bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus
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keywords
medical microbiology, growth, culture
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Title image contributed by Gordon Beakes © University of Newcastle upon Tyne .
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