Texas State Manicurist Written Practice Exam

Which group of bacteria is known to be pus-forming and can cause abscesses?

1. Cocci

2. Spirilla

3. Diplococci

4. Staphylococci

The correct answer is: Staphylococci

Staphylococci are a group of bacteria that are recognized for their pus-forming abilities. They are typically found on the skin and in the nasal passages of healthy individuals. When these bacteria invade the body through a break in the skin or other entry points, they can multiply rapidly and lead to infections characterized by the production of pus, such as abscesses. This group is particularly noteworthy because certain strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are known for causing a wide range of infections, from minor skin infections to potentially life-threatening conditions. Their capacity to form abscesses is central to the clinical understanding and management of infections in various settings, making it essential for professionals in the field to recognize and understand this attribute of Staphylococci. The other groups mentioned, while they can be involved in various types of infections, do not specifically have the characteristic of being pus-forming in the same way as Staphylococci. Cocci refer to spherical bacteria, and while they can include both pathogenic and non-pathogenic types, they do not exclusively denote the pus-forming ability. Spirilla are spiral-shaped bacteria and are less commonly associated with pus-forming infections. Diplococci refer to cocci that occur in pairs and,