Staphylococcus citreus is a gram-positive bacterium often found on human skin. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /stæfələˌkɒkəs ˈsaɪtriəs/. The first part, staphylococcus, is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by the syllable "foh," and the final "s" is silent. The second word, citreus, is pronounced with a "sih-truhss" sound, with the emphasis on the second syllable. Understanding the correct spelling of scientific names like Staphylococcus citreus is essential for clear communication within the scientific community.
Staphylococcus citreus is a species of bacterium belonging to the Staphylococcus genus. It is a Gram-positive, catalase-positive, and coagulase-negative organism commonly found in the human microbiota. The name "Staphylococcus" is derived from the Greek words "staphyle," meaning "bunch of grapes," and "kokkos," meaning "granule," referring to the bacteria's characteristic clustered arrangement under a microscope.
S. citreus is characterized by the production of yellow or golden colonies on culture media, which is the basis for its specific epithet "citreus" derived from the Latin word "citrus," meaning "yellow." It typically forms spherical cells arranged in grape-like clusters and is non-motile.
While Staphylococcus citreus is generally considered a non-pathogenic bacterium, it is known to be opportunistic and may cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems or those undergoing surgical procedures. It is often found on the skin, particularly in areas such as the axilla (armpit) and groin.
In terms of its medical significance, S. citreus is generally susceptible to a range of antibiotics commonly used to treat staphylococcal infections. Identification of this bacterium can be achieved through various laboratory techniques, including microscopic observation, culture on specific media, and biochemical tests.
Overall, Staphylococcus citreus is a species of bacteria that is part of the normal human microbial flora, but under certain conditions, it can cause infections that may require medical intervention.
An occasional form, feebly if at all pathogenic, cultures of which on potato and agar give a lemon-yellow color.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Staphylococcus" comes from Greek roots. "Staphyle" (σταφυλή) means "bunch of grapes", and "kokkos" (κόκκος) means "grain" or "berry". The name was given due to the bacteria's characteristic appearance under the microscope, resembling a bunch of grapes or clusters of spherical cells.
The term "citreus" comes from Latin and means "lemon-yellow" or "citron". It describes the yellow pigment produced by the Staphylococcus citreus strain.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "Staphylococcus citreus" can be understood as "grape-like bacteria with lemon-yellow pigmentation".