In: Biology
Why is it medically important to distinguish between Streptococci and Staphylococci?
Both streptococcus and staphylococcus are gram positive organisms and they are cocci in shape. As well they are non motile,non sporing which do not depend on oxygen for respiration process. With these many similarities, it becomes necessary to differentiate them because treatment for them is different.
Staphylococcus forms grape like clusters while streptococcus forms short chain of round cells when viewed under microscope.
Streptococcal infection is more dangerous when compared with staphylococcus infection.
Streptococcal infection requires extensive care of antibiotics, supportive care along with surgical debridement of soft tissue foci of infection if required.
Hence, in order to treat the infection it is necessary to distinguish whether it is streptococci or staphylococci medically. In order to differentiate, catalase enzyme test is done . In case of staphylococci , the test is catalase positive while streptococci is catalase negative.