Rapid Staph Identification
The rapid Staphylococcus aureus test is based on the fact that most pathogenic strains of S. aureus produce a bound coagulase and contain Protein A on their cell surface. Coagulase and Protein A are two of the many virulence factors that S. aureus possesses. The coagulase converts fibrinogen to fibrin, producing clots that allow the bacteria to “hide” from the immune system. Protein A binds to the Fc region of IgG antibodies, inhibiting IgGs which have opsonized the bacteria from binding to receptors on phagocytes.
The Rapid Staph Test kit contains latex particles coated with human fibrinogen and IgG. These latex particles will bind with any Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that contain bound coagulase and/or Protein A, resulting in visible clumping or agglutination of the latex particles.
The Test circle is positive for agglutination. Note the blue clumps in the middle of the test circle. The Control circle is negative for agglutination.