California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlEasy
A client develops a pustular skin infection after a manicure. Lab tests identify the causative organism as Staphylococcus aureus. Which category of microorganism is responsible for this infection?
- AVirus
- BBacteria
- CParasite
- DFungus
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium, a single-celled microorganism that can cause pus-forming skin infections such as folliculitis or paronychia. Viruses, fungi, and parasites are different classes of pathogens with different structures and treatments.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Viruses are non-cellular and require a host cell to replicate, unlike Staph.
- C. Parasites such as lice or mites are multicellular organisms living off a host.
- D. Fungi cause infections like tinea, not pustular Staph infections.
Microorganism Categories
Pathogens that can be transmitted in a salon are classified into four main groups: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Bacteria: single-celled, e.g., Staph and Strep
- Viruses: need a host cell, e.g., HIV, Hepatitis, HPV
- Fungi: cause ringworm/tinea and nail infections
- Parasites: multicellular, e.g., lice and scabies mites
Memory trick: 'BVFP' — Big Viruses Fear Parasites, but bacteria come first!