A blood agar plate inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus is a common diagnostic tool in microbiology. The appearance of the bacterial colonies and any changes to the surrounding agar provide valuable information for identifying this specific bacterium. For example, the observation of beta-hemolysis, indicated by a clear zone around the colonies, is a characteristic feature often, though not always, associated with this species.
This simple test offers rapid, cost-effective presumptive identification, facilitating timely treatment decisions. Distinguishing S. aureus from other bacteria is crucial due to its potential to cause a wide range of infections, from minor skin issues to life-threatening conditions. Historically, the development of this technique marked a significant advancement in the field of bacteriology, providing a relatively easy method to identify and study this important pathogen.
