Staphylococcus aureus GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS · Gram’s classification – Gram positive bacteria · Shape – Spherical (Cocci) · Arrangement – Bunched or Grape like clusters · Motility – Non-Motile · Capsule - Absent · Endospores - Absent · Respiration – Aerobic/Facultative anaerobic · Optimum Temperature - 37 °C · Optimum pH – 7.0 to 7.5 · Normal human flora on skin and mucosal surfaces. · The organisms are ubiquitous, so there are no Geographic or seasonal limitations. · Discovered by Anton J. Rosenbach (German Surgeon) in 1884. PATHOGENICITY OF Staphylococcus aureus DISEASE TRANSMISSION Staphylococcus aureus infections are mainly transmitted by a) Direct contact with an infected person b) By using a contaminated object c) By inhaling infected droplets dispersed by sneezing or coughing. INCUBATION PERIOD 1 to 6 Hours VIRULENCE FACTORS OF Staphylococcus aureus (i) Structura