California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
A lab report describing a client's abscess after a manicure notes bacteria arranged in grape-like clusters. Which arrangement of cocci does this describe?
- AStreptococci (chains)
- BDiplococci (pairs)
- CStaphylococci (clusters)
- DBacilli (rods)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Staphylococci (clusters)
Staphylococci grow in grape-like cluster formations and commonly cause localized infections such as abscesses, boils, and pustules. Streptococci form chains, diplococci form pairs, and bacilli are rod-shaped, not round cocci.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Streptococci grow in chain formations, associated with strep throat and blood poisoning.
- B. Diplococci form pairs and cause diseases such as pneumonia and gonorrhea.
- D. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria, not a cocci arrangement.
Staphylococci
Round bacteria (cocci) that grow in grape-like cluster formations, commonly causing abscesses, boils, and pustular infections.
- Cluster arrangement resembles grapes
- Cause localized skin infections/abscesses
- Contrast with streptococci (chains) and diplococci (pairs)
Memory trick: 'Grapes cluster, chains link, pairs dance' — Staph=grapes, Strep=chains, Diplo=pairs.