Staphylococcus aureus: Identification, Morphology, and Hemolytic Patterns #3502699 (License: Personal Use)

The image displays multiple diagnostic views of Staphylococcus aureus: two petri dishes showing beta-hemolytic colonies on Columbia agar with 5% sheep blood at 37°C; a magnified cross-section revealing hemolysis zones; a Gram stain confirming Gram-positive cocci in clusters; and a close-up of golden-yellow pigment (staphyloxanthin) under UV light. Additional insets show methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) resistance testing and cellular ultrastructure via microscopy.

This composite image is commonly used in medical microbiology education, clinical lab training, and infectious disease reference materials to teach or confirm S. aureus identification based on culture characteristics, staining, and biochemical traits. It serves users seeking visual confirmation for diagnostics, academic study, or differential diagnosis of Gram-positive cocci.