Differences Between Staphylococcus and Streptococcus

Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are both Gram positive organisms and cocci in shape. They are Non-motile, Non-Sporing and Facultative anaerobes. But they possess some of the differences which are as follows:

S.N.CharacteristicsStaphylococcusStreptococcus
1ArrangementGrape-like clusters.A chain of round cells.
2DivisionStaphylococci divide in various directions (multiple axes).Division occurs in one linear direction (single axis).
3Catalase TestPositive (Catalase is an enzyme to  converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas).Negative
4Enriched MediaStaph does not need enriched media (not fastidious).Strep needs enriched media (fastidious).
5HabitatStaphylococci are found on the skin.Streptococci are found in the respiratory tract.
6HemolysisNo hemolysis or beta hemolysis.Either alpha, or beta or gamma hemolysis.
7Species NumberAbout 40 staphylococcal species have been identified so far.About 50 Streptococcal species  have been identified so far.
8PathogenesisMost of the staphylococcal species are non-pathogens.Streptococcus cause many diseases.
9Common DiseasesFood poisoning,  bacterial conjunctivitis, skin diseases, community-acquired meningitis,  Surgical Site Infection, Wound infection,  impetigo, cellulitis, and toxic shock syndrome.

Strep throat, Scarlet fever, Impetigo, Toxic shock syndrome,

Cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease), sinusitis,  blood infections, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns.

10Pathogenic Species

Staphylococcus aureus,

Staphylococcus epidermidis,

Staphylococcus haemolyticus,

Staphylococcus hominis,

Staphylococcus saprophyticus, etc.

Streptococcus pyogenes,

Streptococcus agalactiae,

Streptococcus bovis,

Streptococcus  pneumoniae, etc.

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Species Differentiation

– Coagulase test

– Novobiocin sensitivity test

– Biochemical tests

– Type of hemolysis

– Cell wall carbohydrate group (A, B, C, etc)

– Bile Solubility Test

– CAMPT Test

– Optochin Sensitivity Test

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