Routine Practices
Facultatively anaerobic Gram-positive coccus in clusters, coagulase positive.
Naturally found in the anterior nares of humans and animals. Approximately 10 to 30% of humans are persistently colonized, with the others being intermittent carriers or non-carriers. Also transiently colonizes the skin, axilla, perineum, throat, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract.
Global distribution. Transmission through direct contact with contaminated environment, person-to-person spread, or endogenous dissemination.
Community-acquired infections including:
Nosocomial infections including:
S. aureus isolated from a blood culture should NEVER be considered a contaminant.