A microbiologist is reading a sputum culture when she notices tiny,translucent colonies growing closely around a b-hemolytic colony on sheep blood agar (SBA).In fact,the colonies are growing in the area where the blood has been hemolyzed.What is the probable identity of the organism that is growing closely to the b-hemolytic organism,and why are they growing in the hemolyzed area?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A phenomenon that helps in the recognition of Haemophilus spp.that require V factor is satellitism.Satellitism occurs when an organism such as Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pneumoniae,or Neisseria spp.produces V factor as a by-product of its metabolism.On SBA plates,tiny colonies of Haemophilus may be seen growing or engaging in satellitism around the V factor-producing organism.

A Microbiologist Is Reading a Sputum Culture When She Notices