A patient with an abscess had Gram-positive cocci in clusters isolated from a wound culture. The organism was catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. What is the likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Gram-positive cocci in clusters suggest Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
2. Catalase-positive and coagulase-positive narrow it down to Staphylococcus.
3. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive.
Therefore, the likely causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus.
Summary:
A: Correct - Staphylococcus aureus fits all the characteristics.
B: Incorrect - Staphylococcus epidermidis is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.
C: Incorrect - Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.
D: Incorrect - Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.