STAPHYLOCOCCUS CAPRAE Meaning and
Definition
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Staphylococcus caprae is a species of bacteria that belongs to the Staphylococcus genus. It is a Gram-positive, non-motile, and non-spore-forming bacterium that commonly inhabits the skin and mucous membranes of animals, particularly goats. Staphylococcus caprae is a member of the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) group, which refers to a diverse collection of staphylococcal species that do not produce the enzyme coagulase, which distinguishes them from the more pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus.
Like other Staphylococcus species, Staphylococcus caprae is spherical in shape and typically grows in clusters resembling grape-like bunches. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive and grow both in the presence and absence of oxygen. Staphylococcus caprae is catalase-positive, which means it produces the enzyme catalase, aiding in the breakdown of reactive oxygen species.
Although Staphylococcus caprae is considered a part of the normal microbial flora of goats, occasionally it can cause infections in animals, especially in situations of immune compromise or when there are breaches in the skin or mucosal barriers. In humans, Staphylococcus caprae is generally regarded as a rare cause of opportunistic infections, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions or those undergoing invasive procedures.
The identification of Staphylococcus caprae is typically achieved through various microbiological techniques, such as Gram staining, culture methods, biochemical tests, and molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Additionally, sensitivity testing is commonly performed to determine the effectiveness of various antibiotics against this
Etymology of STAPHYLOCOCCUS CAPRAE
The word "staphylococcus" is derived from the Greek words "staphyle" meaning "bunch of grapes" and "kokkos" meaning "granule" or "berry". This term was chosen due to the typical appearance of Staphylococcus bacteria under a microscope, which resembles a cluster of grapes or berries.
The word "caprae" is the Latin genitive form of the word "capra" which means "goat". In this case, it refers to the fact that Staphylococcus caprae was first isolated from goats.
