| A | B |
|---|
| Coagulase | coagulates plasma and blood; produced by 97% of human isolates; diagnostic |
| Hyaluronidase | digests connective tissue (hyaluronic acid, part of skin cell glycocalyx) |
| Staphylokinase | digests blood clots |
| DNase | digests DNA |
| Lipases | digest oils; enhances colonization on skin |
| Penicillinase | inactivates penicillin |
| Hemolysins (α, β, γ, δ) | lyse red blood cells |
| Leukocidin | lyses neutrophils and macrophages |
| Enterotoxin | induce gastrointestinal distress |
| Exfoliative toxin | separates the epidermis from the dermis (a protease) |
| Toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST) | induces fever, vomiting, shock, systemic organ damage |
| Localized cutaneous infections | invade skin through wounds, follicles, or glands |
| Folliculitis | superficial inflammation of hair follicle; usually resolved with no complications but can progress |
| Furuncle | boil; inflammation of hair follicle or sebaceous gland progresses into abscess or pustule |
| Carbuncle | larger and deeper lesion created by aggregation and interconnection of a cluster of furuncles |
| Impetigo | bubble-like swellings that can break and peel away; most common in newborns |
| Osteomyelitis (systemic) | infection is established in the metaphysis; abscess forms |
| Bacteremia (systemic) | primary origin is bacteria from another infected site or medical devices; endocarditis possible |
| MRSA (drug) | methicillin-resistant S. aureus – carry multiple resistance |
