MICROBIOLOGY Study Guide - 2012

CHAPTER 14. SANITARY INDICATOR MICROORGANISMS

14.5. STAPHYLOCOCCI

Staphylococci belong to the second group of sanitary indicator microorganisms. They enter the air from the Skin surface, as well as from upper respiratory secretions during talking and coughing. Staphylococci serve as sanitary indicator Microorganisms in the analysis of indoor environments, swimming pool Water, and food products. They can be readily and rapidly identified on selective growth media (Baird-Parker Agar, egg-yolk salt agar). On Baird-Parker agar, S. aureus forms black, shiny, convex colonies surrounded by a 1–3 mm wide zone of lecithinase activity. On egg-yolk agar, S. aureus colonies are white or exhibit various shades of yellow, surrounded by a zone of lecithinase activity.



Last update: 13/08/2026

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