A blood agar plate inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus is a common diagnostic tool in microbiology. The observed hemolytic reactions, colony morphology, and pigment production on this medium provide valuable information for identifying this bacterium. For example, the typical presentation involves golden-colored colonies surrounded by a zone of clear hemolysis, indicative of beta-hemolysis. Variations in these characteristics can suggest different strains or related species.
This simple yet powerful technique plays a crucial role in rapid identification and differentiation of bacterial pathogens. The information gleaned from the appearance of the culture aids in guiding appropriate treatment strategies and infection control measures, contributing significantly to patient care and public health. This method has been a cornerstone of microbiological analysis for over a century, consistently providing reliable results.
