Why do staphylococci spread so easily when infecting the skin?
A) They produce hyaluronidase, which hydrolyzes hyaluronic acid present in the intracellular ground substance that makes up connective tissue.
B) They produce lipase, which melts the fat under the skin, making it easier to spread.
C) The hemolysins kill the white and red blood cells; then the protease liquefies the skin protein, allowing easy penetration for the bacteria.
D) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Staphylococci produce hyaluronidase, which hydrolyzes hyaluronic acid present in the intracellular ground substance that makes up connective tissue. This allows the bacteria to spread more easily through the tissue. Choice B is incorrect because staphylococci do not produce lipase. Choice C is partially correct in that hemolysins can kill white and red blood cells, but the protease does not liquefy skin protein. Therefore, only choice A is correct.

Why Do Staphylococci Spread So Easily When Infecting the Skin