We periodically receive a catalase-negative staph aureus for
confirmation. The organisms look, smell and have the biochemical
reactions of s.a., but are catalase negtive.
Linda Nims
New Mexico State Laboratory
On 7 Feb 1997, N S Uyeda wrote:
> This gram pos cocci has been isolated twice from midstream and cath urine
> of same individual. The very beta, non-sticky, colony resembles Staph; on
> gram stain too. It's coagulase and thermonuclease positive, beta lactam
> neg. Vitek ID is S. aureus if catalase pos.; if catalase neg the Vitek
> calls it strep group B, or unidentified.
>> It's PYR pos but fails all other tests for Strep group A or enterococci
> (latex, SxT disk). Only problem is that it's repeatedly catalase neg on
> all media.
> Any ideas?
> Sue Uyeda
> Dominican Hosp. Microbiology
> Santa Cruz, CA
>>
