Description | Staphylococcus cohnii is a gram-positive, cocci-shaped bacterium classified as a facultative anaerobe, thriving at a temperature range of 30-37°C, and is categorized as a chemoheterotroph. This microbe is typically found in various body sites, including skin, mucosal surfaces, and occasionally, the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other animals. As a gram-positive organism, Staphylococcus cohnii retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, leading to a vibrant purple appearance under a microscope. Its spherical shape contributes to its classification as a coccus bacterium. The bacterium's facultative anaerobic nature allows it to adapt to both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, making it versatile in its metabolic processes. It primarily relies on organic compounds for energy and carbon, characteristic of chemoheterotrophs, allowing it to survive in complex environments such as human tissues. Staphylococcus cohnii is part of the normal skin flora, which plays a role in protecting against pathogenic microbes by competing for resources and producing antimicrobial substances. However, in immunocompromised individuals or in the presence of medical devices such as catheters, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen, potentially leading to infections. This species of Staphylococcus possesses unique traits, such as the ability to produce biofilms, which enhances its survival and persistence in hostile environments. Notably, it has been studied for its antibiotic resistance patterns, indicating a growing concern in clinical settings as it can harbor genes that confer resistance to various antibiotics. This raises important implications for infection control and treatment strategies in healthcare settings. |
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