What is one virulence factor that differentiates Staphylococcus aureus from other species of staphylococci? A) It has a capsule. B) It can produce coagulase. C) It produces catalase. D) It can live on the surface of the skin and in cutaneous oil glands. E) It produces lipase.

Biology · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

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One virulence factor that differentiates Staphylococcus aureus from other species of staphylococci is: B) It can produce coagulase.

  • Coagulase is an enzyme produced by Staphylococcus aureus that plays a crucial role in the formation of blood clots. This enzyme differentiates Staphylococcus aureus from other staphylococcal species, as it allows this bacterium to coagulate blood plasma by converting fibrinogen to fibrin, resulting in the formation of a protective barrier (clot) around the bacterial cells, aiding in their evasion of the host immune system and facilitating the establishment of infections.