A 24-year-old man hospitalized in a coma for 2 weeks now has developed erythema around his catheter. You order the catheter to be pulled, the tip cultured, and a new line to be started on the opposite side of the body. The report comes back that it is Staphylococcus epidermidis, which does not surprise you, as it is noted for the production of a loose network of polysaccharide sticking to catheters. What is this layer on the cell called?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The layer on the cell could be called either a glycocalyx (choice E) or capsule (not a choice). The layer on the catheter is a biofilm, but the question asked for the name of the layer on the cell.

A 24-Year-Old Man Hospitalized in a Coma for 2 Weeks