Texas Class A Barber Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyEasy
A barber notices a client has a red, inflamed area on their scalp with pus-filled lesions. The barber suspects a bacterial infection. Which type of bacteria is most commonly associated with such skin infections?
- ABacilli
- BStaphylococci
- CSpirilla
- DCocci in chains
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Staphylococci
Staphylococci are spherical bacteria that grow in clusters and are frequently responsible for skin infections such as boils, abscesses, and pus-filled lesions. Recognizing this common pathogen is crucial for barbers to identify potential risks.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria and, while pathogenic, are not the most common cause of the described skin lesions.
- C. Spirilla are spiral-shaped bacteria, not typically associated with pus-filled skin lesions.
- D. Cocci in chains refers to Streptococci, which cause strep throat or erysipelas, not typically localized pus-filled lesions like Staphylococci.
Staphylococci
Spherical bacteria arranged in grape-like clusters, commonly causing skin infections such as boils, abscesses, and pustules.
- Gram-positive bacteria
- Common cause of pus-forming infections
- Can lead to more serious conditions if untreated
Memory trick: Staph looks like grapes, causing pus that scrapes.